- Matt Cook, previously recording under White Palms and now simply MD Cook, has released an EP under this new moniker. Released via his label While You Were Sleeping, it’s one of his most accomplished pieces to date, retaining experimental elements and providing accessible, catchy grooves.
NWXT, the EP’s titular song, is a rather house track with lots of variation in the drums and synth lines. While the bass slogs away the four-to-the-floor drums hit and shift. It ends with a beautiful drumless coda, sequences rising and trailing off. Else is a monster of a track and a personal favourite. Propulsive drums get it in motion until a bass sequence comes in. It has a darker feel - the sections with the syncopated bassline attest to this. The downtempo outro is also a joy. Mirror is in a similar vein: ominous but uptempo and suitable for the dancefloor. The song Grey is an apt way to end the work, a floaty, nicely downtempo jam that changes subtly but elegantly over its runtime.
These songs all contain three elements: lead synth, bass and rhythm. Cook proves adroitly that less is more, and that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Created using two small boxes and a synth, he’s crafted something that has a lot more musicality than studio trickery. MD Cook’s NWXT is is a simple and compelling testament.
- Hillfolk.