Arcus - Panic
Dance/Electronica, Alternative, EDM
Belgium
Overall Impression: Superbly produced and filled with a great sense of electrifying creativity, "Panic" is a wondrous exploration into the world of hard-hitting synths and immersive sonic textures that feels ambitious in scope and musically stimulating from start to finish. Arcus presents listeners with a brilliant retro-inspired piece of electronica that makes fantastic use of its wide palette of sounds and deeply detailed production, giving listeners plenty of reason to want to get fully lost down its winding musical paths.
Strongest Point(s): As the title so aptly hints at, there is a genuine feeling of panic embedded within the walls of the track that proves not only to be highly effective but conceptually captivating. The way the music ebbs back and forth between its two main sections creates a certain feeling of uncertainty in its listeners that feels both well-earned and thematically fitting. The A/B structure proves to be effective in creating a strong push-pull dynamic within the arrangement and the tonal contrast that's created between the two serves as a great way to instill a slightly disorientating feeling amongst listeners. For example, the more intense yet rhythmically stable A section focuses on a rhythmically consistent synth bass and percussive combo that helps to establish a strong sense of order within the music, however, Arcus cleverly turns this notion on its head in the B section, instead opting for a stronger feeling of erraticness in the rhythm due to the continually changing tempo, this helps create some excellent moments of tension and release in the music that ensures listeners are kept well and firmly on their toes. The production and overall mix are excellent, each and every element has not only been well balanced but there's a definite feeling of urgency to the mix that allows every intriguing musical concept and dash of inspired creativity to leap out at the listener, ensuring they feel well and truly immersed in the world of "Panic" from start to finish.
Target Audience Appeal: "Panic" is a highly creative piece of electronica and I'm sure lovers of the style will find it to be an engaging listening experience.
Artist target suggestions: Kavinsky, The Chemical Brothers, Danger, Justice, Deadmau5, The Toxic Avenger, Data, NERO, Depeche Mode, Massive Attack, Kalax, Highway Superstar, Droid Bishop, Arcade High
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About the Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session musician, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar as well as teaching it, helping students learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and become more proficient in home recording.