- "Congratulations, you are now the owner of the world's most popular, number one hit record!" declares a natty English voice seconds into Automatic Tasty's latest 12-inch for Lunar Disko. "Keep Your Receipt," the minute-long monologue is titled. Eager to poke fun at himself yet again, it's actually the artist―Jonny Dillon―speaking. (His previous record for Lunar Disko was titled In It for the Money). Strange Terrain holds similar fare to its predecessor, offering four joyous synth excursions. The first, "Beannach Mhór" has more than a touch of Todd Terje about it, blooping arps springing gleefully atop a bubbly low-end and the occasional snare break. Dillon's arrangement feels even more childishly chaotic, however. Jostling for attention, each of his motifs pull in a slightly different direction, but all deliver a magical ride. "Tropic Exchange" is similarly buoyant, this time buttressed by robotic bass and hiding a twanging 303 in its brilliantly-lit folds.
Slick and fast, "Over the Hill" seems like another attempt at self-deprecation. Or maybe the title just refers to the song itself, which certainly recalls a time when electronic music was naïve and idealistic. Built around a driving bassline, it's utterly anthemic, dropping to a filtered break midway and then dramatically returning to its Harold Faltermeyer-esque refrain. "Small Hours" rounds out the incredibly strong release. Possessed by an early-morning bleariness, it feels a bit like Najem Sworb's recent "Particules," except this time rolling toms―rather than kicks―tumble under the dreamy bloops.
Tracklist A1 Keep Your Receipt!
A2 Beannach Mhor
A3 Over The Hill
B1 Tropic Exchange
B2 Small Hours