Nathan Micay fell asleep in the schnee and awoke in the shvitz. This is his first offering for the ESP Institute. Side A’s 'Never Rhythm Game' is a bubbling cauldron of acid worms, almost seven steady minutes of liquid squelch and bleep that rolls over an assortment of boom-boom kicks and claps, all glued together by droning strings and soaring feedback modulation. Aimed for peak time, this big-room monster builds on a major chord and carries us to that perfect rave apex, functioning as a pivot from where the witty DJ might steer into any subsequent direction. Side B’s 'Team Player' is equally poignant, yet to contrast its optimistic predecessor, Nathan constructs a dark mechanical narrative that summons influence from a distant sci-fi metropolis—sophisticated metallic rhythms that sound less polished as they do scrubbed with steel wool—led by a seductive robot who chants degenerate dancing instructions. These two songs will oil your engine and grease your gears.
supported by 22 fans who also own “Never Rhythm Game b/w Team Player”
Few tracks get the party going like First Casualty. A staple in so many sets since way before its release, it gives great joy and euphoria, while being bold and dynamic. This record proved to be the start of something special for Nathan Micay. Props for the 24-bit quality and hats off to Whities for another gem. Edward
Across an insanely fun, dopamine rush of a record, Phoenix and Powernerd unearth the subtleties within synthwave's neon-lit spectacle. Bandcamp Album of the Day Apr 22, 2020