Review: Ireen Amnes - Faus Nova [Instruments of Discipline]
If there was anyone who epitomises unbridled determination, it's Ireen Amnes. The Italian producer, DJ and Under My Feet founder has been releasing consistently over the last year, bringing her brash sound to London-based labels like Hotflush Recordings, Metempsychosis Records and Kombinat. Now she makes her mark on Instruments of Discipline, a Berlin-based label headed up by live duo, Operant.
In the imprint's own words, Ireen's debut EP 'Faus Nova' 'explores the continuum of protest, from outward rebellion, the impotence of feeling voiceless, to turning inward, breaking taboos and escaping the society that controls, that one could not control.' Along with remixes from Fairground of Tears (Exiled) & Polanski (BLANC) - two London-based DJs and promoters - the release is a blend of trippy noises and driving rhythms which remain a constant throughout the EP.
'Protest Against a War' is the opening track of the release, a relevant title given the current shit storm the world is in at the moment. In typical Ireen style, it's a rough and staticky sounding intro which appears to include a crackly vocal sample from a police radio. It's not made for the dance floor - it's more of an introduction into what's to come.
'S.O.S' picks up the pace with a broken rhythm strung together with a sense of urgency. Again there's hints of a jumbled-up vocal from a police radio, tying in with the sonic theme of protest and usurping the law. Far from a clean, 4/4 track, this is a raw tune which has a cinematic element to it. Reminds me of a weird Mumdance clanger but it's most definitely an Ireen Amnes production.
'Insurgent' is a prowling, up tempo 4/4 banger which is more dance-floor appropriate. A warped-out vocal is laced throughout the track, accompanied by driving drums which bring the whole production together. It's dark, menacing, slightly scary and by far the stand out track on the EP.
Fairground Of Tears remixes 'Protest Against A War (Trash Take)' and brings a chaotic take on the original with crashing percussion, all executed with that same sense of urgency. Brash drums take things up a notch, bringing a touch of meanness to the track. This is an angry tune, showing exactly what it means to protest against anything let alone a war.
You'll be familiar with Polanski's sound if you've attended Blanc in Electrowerkz, London, which he is a promoter of and regularly plays alongside some of the finest industrial techno heads from London and Berlin. Polanski completes 'Faus Nova' with his remix of 'S.O.S'; a whirling amalgam of stabbing percussion and creepy melodies.
Overall, Ireen's sound is a welcome addition to Instruments of Discipline which nails she's all about.
'Faus Nova'
Artwork: Hila Angelica Mazzocco
Ireen plays Tresor this Friday with Ectomorph, Ron Morelli, Broken English Club & London for BLANC x Under My Feet. w/ Drew McDowall, Hiro Kone, Esther Duijn on 14th June.
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