Perlon’s recent run of releases has been one of its freshest for years. The arrival of the likes of Binh’s Visio EP and the recent Spacetravel double pack have ushered a new breed of acts into the fold, bringing a sense of ebullient progress, with a host of contributions from the old guard interspersed amongst them.

Israeli producer Maayan Nidam is someone who fills a middle ground between them all. Making her debut on the German imprint back in 2009, she has since been called back on a number of occasions, working under a few different guises (such as Laverne Radix, or alongside Vera as Mara Trax).

Not one to be influenced by trends, it’s a fruitless endeavor attempting to guess what she will come out with next. Her podcast for us earlier this year saw her make a swift volte-face into the world of techno, a move solidified in a recent contribution to Nina Kraviz’s трип imprint. Yet, with her latest Untitled EP(her first outing on the 10” format) it’s clear that she’s still got a penchant for the deeper side of dance.

B-side “Looking Through A Glassy Mind” sees Nidam cruising into spaced-out after hours mode: the track doesn’t do a whole lot, rather just enough, embodying the kind of weird-out feeling that works so well in the wee hours. Lissome keys flow unnervingly in and out of earshot, while its vocoder-style synth fuels the eerie aura. The whole thing flows very naturally, and benefits from very delicate arrangement; for its brand of stripped-back music, it ranks up there as one of the most memorable moments in the label’s recent catalog. 

On the flip, “Deep Under Sobriety Regime” is more likely to split opinion. A heavy tune, it shifts closer to techno and doesn’t really suit home listening; equally though, it will probably be a bit awkward for most club settings. Droning, throbbing bass and thrashy cymbals build a moody, grunge-like atmosphere. It’s full of emotion, and actually given a few more listens it becomes easier to relate to. Much in keeping with its title, it forms half of a very sober package; one which attests to Nidam’s ability to keep on surprising us.

Untitled is due out September 2. Pre-order it at Deejay.de or Juno.

Tracklisting:

A. Deep Under Sobriety Regime
B. Looking Through A Glassy Mind