DirtyObjects - The Answer EP

DirtyObjects

The Answer EP
self-released; 2015

3.5 out of 5
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By Jamie Funk

The Answer EP is a little under ten minutes in length yet the duo consisting of Elkie Barton (vocals) and exi[s]t (production) known as DirtyObjects have got me hooked. The music and production that I immediately was able to enjoy could be considered experimental trip hop. I was reminded of Tricky and even Portishead at times. Barton is the counterpoint to the music and has a deep, soulful voice that would sound good even a cappella.

If you have ever heard the vocal sample Burial uses it isn’t too far off from that. I enjoyed her lyrics about eighty-five percent of the time. She makes her thoughts known on a couple of political issues such as global warming while most of it is poetic a smidge of it comes off as rehashed platitudes. 

They kick things off with the title track, which is an exceptional song. The DJ shadow style drums were what got me grooving but the vocal melody is what got me humming along. It goes back and forth between the verse and what you could call an interlude. I have to say I think some sort of hook or even short chorus could have made this song even better. 

The second track “Runnin' Wild” has a dark, ominous vibe that is not unlike that of Portishead or Burial. “Runnin' Wild” does happen to have a hook and I felt it was a little more single worthy than the first track. 

“Where You Wanna Be” was a highlight and personal favorite. The production is arguably the most inventive and unpredictable. That kick drum programming is pretty slick and I thought the slight mounds of distortion that was implemented was tasteful. Barton is unequivocally her most dynamic on this song and even though there are almost no lyrics she belts it out. 

I could be wrong but I would assume this group hasn’t been working together for very long. As far as I know this is their first release and they built a solid foundation. Some of the ideas could have been more fleshed out and I will predict that we will hearing that in the not too distant future.

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