Autograf - Future Soup EP

Autograf

Future Soup EP

2016

Spotify

Sometimes it is a bit difficult to really dig deep in to an EP due their short length. There often is just not enough to go on, but that is not the case with this newest release from Autograf. You may have heard quite a bit from Autograf at this point. The production duo out of Chicago have been burning up dance floors with "Metaphysical" (not included on this release) which has a super high energy non-stop pace. That song sided more on the pop house genre, but also contained an interesting message where the lyrics were not just throwaway backing for the lyrics. They seem to have done the same here on Future Soup. Defining themselves as artists seems to be tantamount for Autograf, not happy just settling for club stardom they want their music to have deep meaning and they really do commit to this ideal. "Heartbeat" which is great as a dance song, also has swirling strings and some kind of pipe percussion track that just simply elevate it beyond anything else. This is what you get when an ear and classical training come together to create highly modern and extremely infectious music. "Future Soup" is clearly the hit here, but the rest of the record is so intricate and so well designed that the only thing setting the title track apart is the fact that it has lyrics. 

From the second that "Heartbeat" begins you know you are shifting into a totally new brand of music. This is not EDM and not really even House music. Instead it is a blend of Electronic and IDM that is pushing Autograf's borders much further then we thought they could go. There is something special going on with the last four tracks that is completely unexpected, yet delightful. The music never takes a dark turn which is what you usually expect from electronic music that is trying to make a statement, but instead Autograf keep it light and bright. Rounding everything out with deep bass rather than making it the focal point. The tracks also have this very tight feeling like the producers aren't going to let something run just because it is an electronic song, but rather keep it to the exact right length based on the feel and vibe. That is clear on "Horizons" where an extended mix could go and go, but they aptly cut it and move on. "Ocean Glass" the final track is where we see the Autograf boys fully let go and just reach for the stars. This song has little grounding in anything but it is the better for it. The song is allowed to grow and move filling space that you didn't even thing existed. It also takes on different and new shapes that are completely unexpected. Future Soup may be short, but rest assured it is completely worth every second. If you missed the boat on "Metaphysical" do not let this one pass you by. Stellar work from real up and comers in the electronic scene. 

8.8 out of 10