Phonica Records’ main imprint returns after a brief hiatus, with a revamped look and a new breath of life, with a solid and all-round excellent EP from Scottish producer Lord Of The Isles.

It’s been quite the year for the Lord Of The Isles. He’s gone from virtual unknown to established producer with only a handful of releases on some of the most feted labels around – Unthank / Cocktail D’Amore / Ene Records / American Standard. – now proudly joining the ranks of Phonica Records too!

“Year Of The City EP” kicks off with the title track, a jagged track of pure analog swagger. The eerie intro quickly makes way for a dark, arpeggiated synth-riff and an insistent drum pattern that make for a potent combination. “FS01” rounds off the first side of the EP in pure synth bliss. Based around a chopped synth loop, this is passive-aggressive ambient music – ideal for home/headphone listening.

Flip over and you’re greeted by “Forkx” – an epic Detroit leaning track (Rhythim Is Rhythim’s “Icon” being the obvious point of call), complete with swirling synths, a squelchy bassline from above, bongos a plenty and a galloping beat that is impossible to resist. The temptation to throw the term ‘journey’ somewhere in here is just too hard to ignore. The final piece to this outstanding EP is another ambient piece that pays homage to early Warp material – think early Aphex meets Boards of Canada and you’re not far off the mark. The Lord has risen.

Pressed on heavyweight 180 gram vinyl. Artwork by London based artist Jack Featherstone.