Although they apparently had an earlier release available via Rex Records, "Losing Control" is this reviewer's first encounter with mysterious Mancunian trio ESCAPE POD. And, as first impression go, this one struck gold pretty much instantly.
Dead Digital's previous releases by the likes of Pulby and Primitive Painter have been of the quality electronica variety, but Escape Pod present a rather different sound portfolio with the two tracks making up this fascinating single.
"Losing Control" is broadly low-key electro-folk with addled beats and mantra-style vocals. Curiously warped, but never less than tuneful, it comes across as something akin as a younger Beck jamming with a zombiefied Mamas and Papas and is really rather fab.
If anything, though, t'other side, "Change Of Pace" betters it. Sliding in with wonked-out Alt.Country strumming, it features more Peter, Paul and Mary on valium harmonies and is given a lasting, soporific dignity thanks to the entrance of yawning, brushed drums, stately piano and bursts of stabbing, fairground organ. Stoned, lovely and never obvious, it's narco-folk at its' finest and leaves you wanting to jump aboard Escape Pod on the launchpad.
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Several crucial releases down the line and Dead Digital are fast becoming a quality Northern edition of labels as revered as Mute or Warp. More power to their collective elbow.
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