Chris Menist AKA Awkward Corners returns to the Shapes of Rhythm stable three months after the release of his sophomore LP Amateur Dramatics in August 2021. Whilst both of Chris' LPs for the label have been reflective and downbeat in mood Somebody Somewhere is decidedly more upbeat and mostly on the 4/4 and focussed on the dancefloor. The EP also features brand new music and the first glimpse of Chris' sound since Amateur Dramatics.
Hector Plimmer steps up for a second guest appearance on the label, this time taking the sublime sounds of No Words from Amateur Dramatics and taking it into his own universe of sound and rhythm. A pulsing kick drum pushes this remix onto the more cosmic dancefloors. Rearranging the acclaimed saxophonist Tamar Osborn from Collocutor's phrases to interact with his bubbling synths this is a whole new trip. Chris says of the interpretation: 'Hector is someone I've wanted to collaborate with for a while so I was super happy he agreed to do a remix. I particularly love the changed up rhythm of his take ofNo Wordsand how he weaves all the different elements back into the groove.'
Somebody Somewhere Is Dancing In A Field continues the dancefloor sensibilities, and hopefully many people will indeed dance in a field or a club to this track. This brand new cut shows the artist's ability to move into less reflective, more in the moment moods with trademark 808 sounds invoking feelings of early House music. The tempo and feeling may be new but the signature Awkward Corners sounds are all there. The drum machine-heavy workout, thumping kick and conga syncopations are all on deck as well as pulsing synth notes and meandering solos. This is late night, lights low manoeuvres.
Men Bearing Lanyards is lifted from Amateur Dramatics in its original form as a polite nudge to those who may have missed the LP. Another enchanting and hypnotic rhythm, this cut features guest spots from Tamar Osborn and David Leahy as they groove and swing in and out of Chris' guidance.