Slumberjack, an extremely versatile production duo hailing from Australia, have been making waves in the music world since 2014. Made up of members Morgan Then and Fletcher Ehlers, this group is a perfect example of two people with different musical skills coming together to create something special. Then is a classically trained concert pianist, and Ehlers has been making electronic music since the age of 11. Both bring their own individual styles to the table, allowing for a pleasing harmonic convergence. Their self-titled debut EP earned them the #2 spot on the iTunes electronic charts, garnering them both an audience to showcase their growth to, and the resources in order to expand on their already existing sound. With 2017 came their 2nd EP Fracture, released through Mad Decent, which to date has earned them almost 2 million plays on SoundCloud. With a solid framework to build upon, 2019’s Sarawak is a statement of just how far these two have come.
Sarawak opens with ‘Daggers,’ a collab with fellow Aussie experimental rock group Machine Age, which features emotional, powerful vocals from the groups vocalist. A guitar is featured in the drops, a pleasant addition that helps to highlight both parties involved. Next on the EP comes ‘Athena,’ which has a very progressive-trap feel. This has much more traditional styling influences compared to ‘Daggers’. The apex of the first drop is very satisfying, with an upbeat energy to it. The 2nd drop adds more of a future bass overture while still maintaining the familiar undertones from the first, which allows the listener to have new levels of depth and keeps the fluidity of the piece. ‘Hide and Seek’ is a more emotional-leaning song, with lovely female vocals and a chill trap aesthetic that leaves one feeling relaxed. The last 2 songs on the EP are collabs with trap heavyweights TroyBoi and Ekali. ‘Solid’ carries Troyboi’s signature sound with his thick basslines and use of foreign string instruments. It makes for a very adventurous, exciting beat. ‘Closure’ is a fitting closer to the body of work, featuring impressive sound design from Ekali and Slumberjack. The first drop has a satisfying kick but still maintains a relaxed atmosphere, while the second really rounds the 1st, really bringing out the full fledged sound that they were going for.
The 3 collabs in this EP highlight the individual strengths of the artists, without having any stylistically overpower another. Overall, Sarawak is a very diverse EP that is a joy to listen to.
