Eclectic and ambitious San Francisco duo Tone of Arc have contributed their evocative sound to Roam Recordings' second offering of 2016. Tone of Arc are comprised of Derrick Boyd (previously recording under the name Dead Seal) and Zoe Presnick … through well-received releases for the likes of No. 19 Music, Om Records, and Touch Of Class Records the pair have transmitted a series of moody electronic compositions that draw as much inspiration from cerebral post-punk gigs as sweaty, visceral dance floors.
"Sundust" opens the single with its methodical tempo and haunting soundscapes, electrified by Derrick's pensive words. The cut unfolds like a dream as layers of synths and vocal snippets build and vibrate throughout. "The Indigent" is a more stripped-down affair. A straight-forward four-on-the-floor rhythm, accented by big tom fills, creates the space for backwards pads and hinted melodies. It's a mechanical meditation. Barcelona-based producer Lokier (HAKT, Days Of Being Wild) is also on hand for a haunting remix of "Sundust" that adds a commanding bass line and puts a spotlight on the vocal. Its steady forward motion is hypnotic in effect, intensifying the brain-to-feet aspect of Tone of Arc's music.
Sunshine Jones (Dubtribe) - "Sick … I love it."
Anthony Pappa - "Cool release … my favorite track here is 'Sundust'."
Nick Warren - "I'm a big fan of Tone of Arc … I love the originals."
Jamie Kidd (BYC Music / Box of Kittens) - "'Sundust' is a beauty."
[a]pendics.shuffle (Adjunct) - "'The Indigent' is really nice."
Ulysses (Neurotic Drum Band) - "These have a cool kind-of-leftfield feel to them but would totally work on the dance floor."
Chris Fortier (Fade) - "Sounds great!"
Tronik Youth (Nein Records / Back-Yard) - "The Lokier remix of 'Sundust' for me."
Phunktastike (Spirit Soul Music / Undertones Gang) - "'The Indigent' … great tune here!"
Cosmonauts (Super Trooper) - "Love all three cuts here … supporting."
Sleazy McQueen (Whiskey Disco) - "If I had only one release to describe the ethos of Roam, it would be this one … a dark journey, energetic and provocative."
Signal Deluxe (Blaq Records / Fade) - "'The Indigent' is our kinda groove … nice one."
Jon Manley (hOUSEwORX Radio Show) - "Refreshing, haunting electronica beats. Well worked."
Available now from Beatport, Juno Download, iTunes, and Spotify.