This year, the glitch-hop and ambient music community is set to experience an incredible shift in live events and releases. While the iconic Tipper is stepping away, numerous artists have stepped up to keep the genre alive amid his departure. Among the ones to watch is Schmoop, a Texas-raised producer climbing the ranks with the likes of Jade Cicada and Detox Unit. Creating his own voice, Schmoop’s Afterglow EP is his first EP release in three years.
Gearing up for a huge year, Schmoop’s artistic career has taken him through a whirlwind of bookings. Recently playing his own headlining spot at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom this past March, he also stunned fans during his direct support set for Tipper’s Tipper & Friends at the Gorge this past Fourth of July. Now, he’s ready for bass lovers to experience his Afterglow EP.
Afterglow: A Splendid Mix of Old School and New Age Bass
Our introduction to the EP is, “Afterglow,“ an abundantly bouncy track that immediately captivates the listener. Although meant to be the beginning of our Afterglow experience, it starts the EP off with a bang. Eventually switching to a lighter, more ambient tune, “Afterglow” fosters a feeling of continuation and remenance, simply leaving you wanting more. The succeeding track, “Kintsugi,“ continues to play into this feeling of lighteness. Indulging in ambient sounds with an almost nostalgic vibe, it curates the flow of the entire EP.
af•ter•glow /ˈaftərˌɡlō/ A glow remaining where a light has disappeared. A pleasant effect or feeling that lingers.
Dipping into drum and bass, “Haymaker” is quite a differentiation from the other tracks on Afterglow. Delving into a more fast-paced, almost video game-esque portion of the EP, “Haymaker” is the epitome of a twist on classic UK Jungle sound. Sticking to the standard setup and build of the genre, Schmoop’s production choices still fully stand out, with his signature bloopy sound peeking through amid the track.
The EP’s final track, “Converge,“ features a much lighter tone than Afterglow‘s preceding tracks. Leaving the listener facing a sense of reflection and a stillness, “Converge” perfectly encapsulates the intention behind the EP’s title. In concesus, Schmoop’s Afterglow EP is a journey through his experience as an artist; and each track seems to represent different feelings throughout his own creative process.
On the lookout for new tunes? Keep up with our weekly Spotify Playlist, Fresh Hunts. Updated every Friday with new tracks from your favorite artists of all genres. Whether it’s the newest drops from all your favorite artists, some old-school, or underground…we just want you to hear it.
