A wholly engaging EP with inventive electronic directions, Domax X josafat EP excels in its meshing of trickling guitars, moody synth-bass, and dynamic rhythmic complements. Melody and atmosphere are both consistent strengths throughout. The release is collaboration between Domax and josafat. The former is an electronic project led by guitarist and producer Max O’Donnell (The Streets, Kathy Sledge) and Andy Kremer (Incognito). josafat is the alias of Sicilian producer and mixer Alessandro La Barbera (Sans Soucis, Davide Shorty).
Recorded over two days at Andy Kremer’s former London studio space, the EP draws from the two projects’ various inspirations — from Domax’s love for Aphex Twin and Squarepusher, to josafat’s admiration for Flying Lotus, Bibio, and Tweebs. While those influences are evident, the EP’s result stirs in its own creativity and production, embracing a wide tonal range across its six tracks.
“D – 0201A” opens the album in riveting form, aptly displaying the release’s knack for compelling tonal variety. Twinkling, concise keys exude a wintry glow as whirring percussive dexterity and lush synth-bass throbs assemble cohesively. The sporadic rhythmic intensity and brief moments of spacey introspection pair for a climactic structural swell. “Bar Italia” follows with a captivating electro-funk charm, melding arpeggiated guitar feelings alongside the steady bass pulses. “Hold tight” is another standout, particularly as twangy guitars move seamlessly into the more bolstered enthrallment at the 01:20 mark. This is a fantastic overall EP from Domax X josafat.
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“Bar Italia” is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Electronic.
