Ornette Hawkins Fantom

The DC based duo Ornette Hawkins makes a step further into the field of Ardkore dnb with their latest EP, Fantom. This work revolves around reverent but imaginative jungle hinting to the early 90’s UK scene and simultaneously moving forward. Rhythms quaver, overlap and take new harmonious forms creating textual atmospheres and unveiling unexpected sounds with every listen; finding the “missing frequencies” becomes like an addictive game. The EP kicks off with the dystopian scenario depicted in Fantom; a rich track that moves like a stealth creature on an alien territory; sub-zero pads, clinical Photek inspired drum patterns and an eerie sax give way to an incessant building up that feels smooth and rough around the edges all at once. A floaty atmosphere returns with the shimmering waves of the Rhodes keyboards layered on warm synths and dry snares in Fade Away. To sum up the mood is the languid Bitch Is Blue, which is not only for its title, an explicit reference to Miles Davis’ avant jazz masterpiece; firstly the original version, placed somewhere between J Majik’s dextrous breakbeats and the crystalline melodies of LTJ Bukem. To close the EP is the startling remix by the intrepid talent of Tim Reaper, who stretches the track to futuristic rhythms, where our ears play along looking for new sounds.