New York – French electronica producer Pyramid is set to release his new EP Night Tales June 8th on Kitsune. Initially garnering attention in 2011 when his remix of Daft Punk’s “Something About Us” reached #1 on Hype Machine, the producer and DJ has since released several EPs as well as an assortment of remixes, including a collaborative EP with fellow French DJ Crayon. Hailing from Lyon and drawing early influences from the rock records his parents played in his youth, Pyramid became influenced by bands like Justice as well as German minimalist techno DJs before moving into producing and DJing his own tracks.
Eventually getting involved with Kitsune after previously releasing tracks on Parisian boutique label Technofavrik, Pyramid won a remix competition of a Heartsrevolution track that caused him to be featured on a compilation and sparked further involvement with the label. Drawing influence from both sci-fi and ambient sounds, Pyramid has also soundtracked various indie games and films, and with Night Tales brings this adeptness of transformative scenes and audio imagery to his newest EP.
The indicative sounds of French electronica remain rooted in Night Tales, particularly on opening track “Highway”, where Pyramid constructs a whirlwind of building synths, combined with sizzling drops of energy that lessen and dissipate as the track draws to a close. Despite the fade in and out of varied instrumentals, every track retains a deliberate forward motion that carries throughout the entirety of the EP.
Pyramid is known for his often unexpected vocal collaborations, and his aptitude for connecting with the right voice to create his unique sound shines in “Film Noir”, a track with a vocal overlay by pop-psychedelic Parisian outfit Holy Oysters. A dark and unsettling dance track, lyrics such as “there is somebody dying this very morning” assemble a haunting counterpoint and acknowledgment of the often dark underworld of clubs, aptly reflected within the band’s appraisals of “beauty you can’t ignore / a face to die for”. Imposed with cuts of both the sounds of the ocean and sirens, “Film Noir” is intelligently assembled, and a propelling and inspired guitar solo is the final ingredient in a series of elements that both unbalance and enchant the listener.
Closing track “Night Lights” brings about a different dimension to the EP, and it’s apparent how Pyramid’s increased experience DJing in the club landscape has influenced this house-infused number. The subtle pulsing beats and glittering synths reflect the sort of room-carrying track that promises to hold club-goers in its grip well into the early hours of morning, juxtaposed with a razor sharp howling that brings about a notably industrial feel. An anticlimactic slow drip of piano keys brings both the EP and Pyramid’s constructed night to a close; alongside an easily imaginable return to reality experienced by the close of a club and the broadening of daylight. Pyramid succeeds in his vision of creating a soundtrack for a transformative night out in this succinct EP, and successfully toes the line between experimental and club-friendly.
Pyramid’s gifted aptness for abrupt yet well-conceived shifts in mood allow him to escape the monotony that garners criticism within the genre. His careful control paired with a willingness for innovation and combined with a knack for instrumental layering and juxtaposition of surprisingly complementary sounds make him one to watch and Night Tales a must listen.
Night Tales is out June 8th on Kitsune. You can keep up with Pyramid via his Facebook and Twitter pages.
Ruby Hoffman
Latest posts by Ruby Hoffman (see all)
- Luna Aura Captures Cosmic Attention - July 20, 2015
- HOLYCHILD Brings Their Brat Pop To Williamsburg - July 18, 2015
- Small Feet ‘s Stalhamre Talks Wilderness, Labels and More - July 13, 2015
