Album Review

Skrillex – More Monsters and Sprites EP

• 14th Jun 2011

Californian producer Skrillex is still a name to watch. That is providing you’re not a fan already. For those not in the picture, Skrillex is the stage name of Sonny Moore; the former lead vocalist of LA rock group “From First to Last”. Now concentrating on his solo electronic work, “More Monsters and Sprites” is the third EP from Moore under the Skrillex alias.

The new EP presents tracks that appear a lot more focussed and refined over his previous work. Suggesting somewhat, that Skrillex is becoming more grounded in his ways and styles as an electronic music producer.

The opening track is titled “First of the Year (Equinox)”. Right from the off, you know Skrillex hasn’t abandoned his use of high-pitched vocal samples. These heard over off-beat chords followed by a pleasant piano break mean some may not be prepared for the imminent filth as the song drops. Another element Skrillex has maintained from previous works is his varied and eclectic use of different synth sounds, creating a jumpy texture whilst still infusing his signature dirty sounds.

Tracks 2 & 3 are both entitled Ruffneck, one being (Flex) and one (FULL flex), the latter being a more developed and busy working of the first. Ruffneck is very Dubstep-esque with Skrillex’s unique style infused with Dubstep predictability. Much like the first track, Piano and Strings breaks allude to the heavier sections.

The final 4 tracks of the EP are remixes of the title track from Moore’s previous EP “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites”. Remixes come courtesy of Dirtyphonics, Phonat, The Juggernaut and Kaskade. The Juggernaut remix being my personal favourite, bringing a drum and bass feel to the original track. I think the beauty of including these remixes lies within their variety. Each one a remix of the same track yet a completely different take each time.

If there is one artist on the scene that just gets better and better it has to be Skrillex. The new EP shows the fruits of some clear exploration of the elements within electronic music. Already available on Beatport, the album will hit iTunes on June 21st. I would personally recommend it and will definitely be dropping these tracks into a set or two!