Search - Future Sound of London :: My Kingdom

Stands alongside Orbital's "The Box" EP as an electronic mag

Torley | torley.com | 09/05/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

""My Kingdom", the shorter version found on Dead Cities, is a magnificent track in its own light. What's so special about this EP, in addition to the demoscene-like cover, is how it teases out the innards of "My Kingdom" and unfolds them into something haunting, emotional, and ultimately wonderful -- don't be fooled, this is definitely not a set of boring remixes where a 4-on-the-floor kick is lazily put over repetitive samples. There's a lot of rich artistry and craft here which speaks highly to how well this work has stood up over time... and it's been over a decade!



Electronic works which are symphonic in scope (like "The Box" EP) are pretty rare -- the various parts of "My Kingdom" reach out into areas which sound experimental and improvisatory, while never losing the flow of an overall structure. As contradictory as that seems, FSOL masterfully makes it work. There are parts that are more aggressive, offset by beatless gazes into space, and even a near-venture into drum 'n' bass (which was still newborn and rising at the time).



Things culminate with a harkening to the source in "(Part 5)", which brings its skippy breakbeat menace, ominous "BONG!" chimes, flute loops, and of course, the infamous Vangelis "Rachel's Song" sample, which has been repurposed for the greater good.



I love electronic music which is both alien and familiar, and this is one of the finest examples of that."