EP: ticktock ‘Fault Lines’

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Following his debut release TCOLT, part-Danish Sebastian Zieler – aka ticktock – has created five refreshingly synthetic tracks on new EP, Fault Lines. It’s easy to meander in and out of ticktock’s low-key, quirky sound, and opening track ‘Opt In Opt Out Opt Not’ intoxicates with its steady rhythm and smooth vocals. “We can slow it down, but we can’t make it stop” sings Zieler; articulating the momentous and universal themes of crippling indecision.

‘Off The Map’ lives up to its name with its peculiar bouncing synths, but ticktock shows his ability to craft magnetic electronic sound on ‘Pastel Clouds’. Fans of FKA Twigs (myself included) will be immediately attracted to this track, with its sensuous repetitive lyrics and hypnotizing electronic undercurrent. The accompanying video – which premiered on Fader this week – is equally as mesmerising with it’s seaside scenes, and pastel-skinned models with chiselled features.

Zieler continues his exploration of the physiological via synthesisers on ‘Stripped Of Reuptake Inhibitions’ before closing Fault Lines with utopian track ‘Everything Free & Perfect Forever’. Trying to close “the superficial distance between us” in ticktock’s world “wouldn’t cost a dime” – and this is something he ponders in hushed, overlapping vocals and bubbling synths. Ultimately, Fault Lines demonstrates Zieler’s ability to flex his electronic backbone in fresh, androgynous directions, and it will appeal to those who champion solo electronic artists.

‘Fault Lines’ is released on 4th December via The Big Oil Recording Company.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate Crudgington

Kate Crudgington

Assistant Editor for Gigslutz (2015-2017) Now Co-Founder, Co-Host & Features Editor for @getinherears