“In empty spaces, the veins swell bright.”
Unbound by the constraints of genre and with no limits to its experimentation, iRis.EXE returns, fresh off the release of debut EP SMiLE. The nature of this self-described ‘AI-assisted music project’ is discussed in our interview with iRis herself. I won’t attempt to explain what constitutes this project, for I don’t even fully understand it; out of a complex process and workflow, iRis has created something unique which is almost better experienced blindly.
With iRis slowly making a name for herself, working previously with Vatican on their spectacular record, [ULTRAGOLD], and recently with Moodring vocalist Hunter Young, iRis.EXE maintains this momentum with mercykiller, a three-track EP that seems to serve as a sampler for new sounds that the project is looking to explore; a display of iRis’s versatile palette. This is immediately apparent on pre-release single “chemical bleed (circles in the dark)”; beginning with her hallmark dark electronics, the song explodes into an ensnaring hook, a combination of low-tuned guitars and iRis’s striking vocals. This unexpected twist creates for one of the most captivating tracks from the project.
The title track ventures back into more familiar, electronic-led territory, with booming, fast-paced drum machine beats beginning the track. One thing that is apparent is the difference in production. It feels stylistically clearer and atmospheric, in contrast to the distortion layered production style of the previous EP. While one style isn’t objectively better than the other, it is a welcome change of pace, and “mercykiller” is a satisfying blend of these two flavours.
The EP ends with “sanctuary”, a cover of Hikaru Utada’s hit song. The track is accompanied by a nostalgic, distorted synth reminiscent of the style of 2010s EDM. Paired with iRis’ vocals, this is a masterful rendition of the track, reinventing the song in the iRis.EXE style while still keeping true to the original. The new production style mentioned gives iRis‘ sound added presence, creating the atmosphere required to make this track shine.
mercykiller may be short but it is packed with substance and an exciting preview into the seemingly endless potential of iRis.EXE. Even in three songs, a clear progression from the previous EP is demonstrated, leaving me intrigued to hear just what else iRis can, and will, experiment with in future projects.
9/10
mercykiller is set for independent release on April 18th. For more on iRis.EXE, check out our feature, where iRis discusses her software workflow, creative process, and influences.