Things are clearer now for Meanjin (Brisbane) producer and Pocketmoth co-founder Itrat Memon, who in the 3 years since his last EP release, worked tirelessly to reconfigure his creative practice. A first glimpse came in May 2021, when he relinquished former alias 'Black Mannequin' in favour of the name Meanjin's dance music community fondly knows him by: Iti. This signalled an intention to break free from former personal narratives, and instead view releases as extensions of the transient self from irretrievable moments in time. In other words, a firm self-commitment to finish music while at its most visceral peak, for as time passes, so too does one's emotional connection to its birthing point. Acknowledging this impermanence, the 'Curvework' series houses tracks conceived and finished within ephemeral moments of creativity. Vol. 1: As Time Passes
A fast-paced 2-track, 2-remix EP, suited to a variety of dance floor contexts. The EP begins with Saba (Urdu; wind, breeze): a swift, airy groover, fusing the percussive textures of Iti's Pakistani heritage with soft, breathing pads and his signature vocal chops. This is followed by the EP's title track, As Time Passes; a high-energy, broken-beat stomper. Here, a thundering rhythm section and tabla groove weave with more of Iti's infectious vocal sampling. The EP's remixes come from two of Meanjin's most exciting and active producers, Axon Growth Factor and Nora Drum. Off the back of his stunning release 'Cytokenisis' on Naarm (Melbourne) label The Space Between Us, Axon Growth Factor continues his excellent form with a stripped-back electro remix of 'Saba', injecting the intricate drum programming he is rapidly becoming known for. Nora Drum, having released an equally stunning EP in collaboration with Lithe in September, continues his exploration of Drum and Bass with an immense take on 'As Time Passes', featuring a clinical rhythm section and textural atmosphere. Hats off.