Not as immediate as last years stand out track, ‘Trace’, the Duster EP calls out for more time, and appreciation of what is trying to be achieved. Instead of trying to recreate ‘Trace’ (or any of his various releases since 2010’s ‘Your Words Matter’), Midland has once again ventured into the unknown, and succeeded in doing so. Duster sees Midland return to Will Saul’s Aus Music with a beautifully produced EP, which is sure to only increase his reputation and admiration amongst his fans, and also his peers.

The title track is emotive, circling, and somewhat psychedelic. The sampled strings help to create a feeling, combined with smooth synths – ‘Duster’ does the job of resonating with Midland’s previous work, whilst evolving into something more relaxed and appealing. The tracks that accompany ‘Duster’, ‘Reflex’ and ‘Pitch Drift’ move into darker, jittery territory. ‘Reflex’ immerses itself in percussion, and when accompanied by the 4/4 kicks, it’s hard not to become dazed. What could be described as the synth lead makes its entrance which, when combined with the thumping kick, creates an intrusive noise, however I find myself wanting all of it. The third track, ‘Pitch Drift’, returns to more floating synths, once again creating a dazed feeling within. However unlike ‘Duster’, it is heavy on the tribal/industrial styled percussion. ‘Pitch Drift’ makes the three-track EP go full circle.

This is not his best release but far from his worst. I have to say that the most exciting thing about Duster is not the music itself but the prospect of what stone this step will lead to next. Midland is an artist who is constantly reinventing what his sound is and for that, he has done himself a great favour. The Duster EP only further cements this sound/non-sound style of his, and leaves many and myself alike already eagerly anticipating his next release.

Duster is out now via Aus Music.

Conor Aldis