Strap in tight, buckaroos. Analept is back with Corrosion / Collision, a striking demonstration of IDM mastery in a three-track EP that condenses years of electronic exploration into jaw-dropping ear-candy. The opening track, Corrosion, begins with an analog arpeggio-like melody that rises and falls in punctuated bursts, each pause filled with airy reverb that lends the track an open, spacious quality. A mellow, downtempo hip-hop breakbeat joins in, restrained and unassuming, giving the rhythm a subtle momentum without aggression. Analog pads swell and shift as a secondary melody glides over the percussive structure, creating an aura of quiet curiosity, as if something secret is just out of reach. Eventually, a woefully cool horn-like synth lead punctuates the track sporadically, notes floating across the mix with generous space between them. The track concludes abruptly, leaving a lingering sense of satisfaction. Corrosion is a testament to careful sound design, marrying percussive structure and melodic intrigue with a masterful control of silence and atmosphere.
The second track, Collision, delves deep into the nostalgic territory of classic IDM, evoking the spirit of greats found on Warp, Rephlex, Skam, and Merck. Kick drums and an analog bass line establish the foundation, soon accompanied by a ghostly lead synth that hovers like a distant signal. Shuffling, slightly broken IDM percussion joins in, rippling with phaser effect, sending one reeling into a dark nebula and interrupted only by glimmers of starlight from additional percussive elements that give the track complexity and depth. A mournful synth melody drifts through this shadowy expanse, layered with cosmic accompaniment that feels both intimate and vast. There is a distinct nostalgic texture to the track, reminiscent of 1970s soundtracks from educational films on space and science: slightly woozy, quietly mesmerizing, and tinged with the stomach-tingling awe of discovery. Collision balances darkness and warmth, crafting an atmosphere that is introspective, secretive, and at times, one that hums with melancholy. This is the good stuff, here. This is the reason why countless IDM fanatics dig through gigabytes of the mediocre. This sound. This feeling. This satisfaction.
The bonus track, Escape Velocity, brightens the EP while retaining the vintage analog sensibility of its predecessor. The classic braindance-style percussion here is calm and measured, underpinning melodies that evoke sunlight filtering over pastel fields and drifting clouds. The sense of floating is immediate and persistent, a soft breeze in musical form. Bass, leads, and drums interlock effortlessly, producing an airy, luminous soundscape that feels at once melancholic and entirely alive. Across all three tracks, Analept demonstrates remarkable command of texture, rhythm, and melodic nuance. Though brief, the EP leaves a profound impression: it whets the appetite for more, showcasing the artist as a singularly gifted voice in contemporary IDM. While the album is self-released, it benefits from the promotional support of the South Florida-based record label EC Underground, whose roster spans IDM, Ambient, Drum & Bass, Acid Techno & more, yet in this instance exists largely in service of shining a light on Analept’s exceptional vision. Corrosion / Collision is concise but compelling, a miniature journey that asserts itself as one of the most accomplished IDM releases so far this year.
Corrosion / Collision by Analept releases on 5 December, 2025