Lapis EP by Iori

Label : Prologue
Rating : 8/10
Written by : Rex Lam
Released on the acclaimed Prologue imprint, the Lapis EP marks the third output - and the very first in the physical format - of Japanese producer Iori Asano for the Munich-based techno label. As suggested by the fitting cover artwork this 3-track single is a spacey and dynamic piece that lends Asano’s own sci-fi twist to the dark and atmospheric aesthetics that the label is well-known for. 

When compared with the Light Echo EP, his previous Prologue release from last year, the single here has a more hard-edged and heads-down feel whilst keeping the deep and hypnotic flavours of the former at the same time. Lapis One kicks things off with its fierce galloping kick and insistent cymbals, which are soon joined by some loopy, mysterious chimes and a cascading synth line that throbs all the way through to the climax. 

If Lapis One portrays a rocket launch at a space station, then Lapis Two will be a depiction of exploration in outer space. In contrast to the former’s Traversable-Wormhole-esque militant vibe, it’s a slow-burning cut driven by the murky and bubbling synths, subtly gaining momentum to shape a disorienting and trippy soundscape. 

Finally Lapis Three sets the engines to full throttle as the torrential synth riffs and percussions propel this peak-time affair at maximum velocity amidst the ethereal and swirling noises. Whereas the darkness conjured up is as vivid as on the previous two tracks, there’s indeed an obscure epic quality attached to it; and with the sheer amount of sonic energy delivered here, not only is this EP another quality release from Prologue, but it’ll also fit into the high-powered end of the label catalogue certainly.