UK based experimental drum & bass and electronic producer Seamus Malliagh, better known by his moniker Iglooghost, is one of the most uniquely strange musicians to make an appearance on the scene to date. Taking heavy inspiration from other experimental electronic artists, such as his Brainfeeder Records comrade Flying Lotus, Malliagh is known for his colorful and complex maximalist approach to his music. As shown from his numerous EP releases in the past, as well as in his full studio album debut “Neo Wax Bloom” released in 2017, Malliagh has a penchant for making four-minute tracks sound like odysseys of sound. It is not uncommon to hear a single Iglooghost track containing at least 30 different layers of instruments, effects and synthesized vocal samples. As if that weren’t enough, Malliagh has also taken it upon himself to create an overarching narrative spanning his releases complete with colorful characters decorating his album covers, his own made up language and even a comic book detailing the story of “Neo Wax Bloom.” The most recent projects under his belt are the gritty, hard hitting “Steel Mogu” EP and the more melodic and harmonic “Clear Tamei” EP, released simultaneously on August 8. These two EP’s keep the Iglooghost story going by detailing the titular characters through thematic, expansive and meticulously programmed beats with about 40 minutes’ worth of content between them.
The dark, gritty textures of the beats on “Steel Mogu” deliver a rush of adrenaline and excitement that few other electronic music projects can match. The record gets off to an amazing start with the unstoppable rumbling bass progressions of the EP’s self-titled track “Steel Mogu.” The never-ending, constantly jittering percussive breaks are enveloped by foreboding synth melodies and the sporadic chants and sighs that have become characteristic of Iglooghost’s vocal samples. This track is followed up by what is, arguably, the best cut from either EP, “Black Light Ultra.” The track is perfectly programmed down the finest detail, with all its layers creating a breathtaking four minutes and thirty-four seconds. The sheer variety of different sound textures featured in this cut is staggering. From the rich, vibrating violin strings to the clunky xylophone scales to the screeching flutes to the clanging of swords tying the hi-hats together, this track is a marvel of modern production. Sweetening the deal is a surprise vocal sample of rapper Danny Brown from his 2016 song “Ain’t it Funny?” Brown’s cartoony, frantic rapping fits in perfectly with the eclectic, mind bending beats contained within “Black Light Ultra.”
“Clear Tamei” is just as, if not collectively more, enjoyable and consistent as it’s counterpart. While “Steel Mogu” focuses on furious energy, “Clear Tamei” presents tracks centered around on beautiful, goosebumps inducing melodies. Although, it’s still no slacker in the heavy bass department. “New Vectors” illustrates this perfectly with its plucky piano chords, hair raising string sections and a gorgeous collection of choir samples. The end of this track flows perfectly into the self-titled track of the EP with both featuring sluggish, drowsy rapping from Malliagh himself in his own made up Iglooghost language. The other major highlight on this EP comes in the form of it’s closing track, “Shrine Hacker.” This cut is almost eight minutes long and presents a truly epic soundscape. It begins with a glitchy, hazy buildup driven by soft chanting, rubbery pitch bends and the ticking of a clock. This then drops into a beautifully executed valley of bass and bells before finally rounding out by blossoming into the fading sounds of flutes and chimes.
Iglooghost’s projects have been some of the most unique, memorable and exhilarating musical experiences released in recent memory. Where “Neo Wax Bloom” was a constantly changing and evolving experience, “Steel Mogu” and “Clear Tamei” are much more thematically consistent and provide an excellent chunk of content to tide fans over until the inevitable second full Iglooghost album release. While it didn’t seem possible, Malliagh continues to innovate and build upon his already highly unique production style. Only time will tell how his music, and the narrative surrounding it, will expand further.
