She’s Excited creates an ever evolving, dark electronic sound on the creatively present EP, Shock Therapy.
She’s Excited, AKA Brookly-based producer Anne Wichmann really knows how to create an addictive atmosphere. New EP Shock Therapy managed to infuse dark undertones and rhythm-heavy beats over two personally channelling tracks that are then given new life through three more remixes.
Add Clarity starts the EP as it means to go on with deep, IDM beats and bassy synths leading the way forward. The atmosphere is eclectic and wandering as the track meanders forward amongst confident vocals before Wichmann suddenly belts out the question, “If I refuse To Sleep, Who’s Gonna Dream My Dreams?”. It’s a wake up call in more ways than one, as straight after we’re hit with fuzzy guitar layers and a more energetic sound.
Whole follows, building on a more menacing and sinister atmosphere, leaning on electro breaks and beats amongst ‘chiptune’ elements and sultry vocals to hold it all together. We really get a taste for Wichmann’s range of vocal talents here, perfectly at home against a minimalist background, but also content as the track builds on the layers. There’s definitely elements of late Bowie here, perhaps more akin to his Blackstar record that builds in an intriguing way..
The rest of the EP comprises 3 more tracks – one remix of Whole and two for Add Clarity. The first is for Whole, remixed by Cameron Gary, brings in more of a dance vibe to the track, perhaps relying on 90s style beats but with more updated production. It has more of a clean, club-laden vibe that wouldn’t go amiss playing out in a packed room at 1am in the morning (remember those days?).
The first remix of Add Clarity is by Troveeris, favouring a more solid buildup and electronically influenced vocals to create a darker, foreboding atmosphere. The drums really come into their own here and hold the track steady, even if the actual track could do with a few more fresh ideas. The final remix, again for Add Clarity, is performed by Primitive Heart and yet another unique spin. Being one of the more psychedelic tracks on the record, it brings in elements of dub, house, and echo-laden samples to create a hypnotic yet powerful flow. It has an essence of the late 80s with gentle nods to bands such as New Order.
The Shock Therapy EP by She’s Excited does exactly what it needs to, giving you a taste for an artist against tracks that can be easily manipulated and mutated by others. It would have been nice to have at least one more track on show, but from what we have you can see that Wichmann knows how to build impressive dance soundscapes that are creatively powerful.
Score: 3/5
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