Ssleeperhold

Ruleth (Holodeck)

Dormant electronic trio Medio Mutante’s initial splash came in 2008 via Cititrax Records 12-inch Inestable, a glitchy, optimistic EP sounding like a video game knockoff of Octopus Project anthems. It doubled as the first time ATX made sense of José Cola, though the part-time Angeleno didn’t come upon his dark synth electronica until the trio disbanded and he became Ssleeperhold, his industrially enhanced electro-mask. Pressed to vinyl via local boutique Holodeck Records (Survive, Pure X, This Will Destroy You), debut Ruleth‘s eight tracks drone with “Timeghosts” and “Dreamwaves,” the opening title cut and B-side highlight “F.I.S.T.” showcasing cutting drums and, from the former, a fetching metallic discordance. Elsewhere, “Ashes” works eeriness, and “Beatsslave” employs instrumental dream pop. Tune in to tune out.

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This article appears in April 25 • 2014.

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