The recent passing of Rhys Celeste, the young producer behind the Microlith alias, adds extra poignancy to this posthumous EP. Given the tragic circumstances of his death, it’s hard not to hear a touch of melancholy amongst the yearning synthesizer melodies, fizzing electro beats and “braindance” style TB-303 work of “Acid in a Church”. It’s also true that the chord progressions and melodic structure of electro shuffler “Remember Members” are undeniably poignant, as are the outer-space electronics and sweeping synth-strings at the heart of “8oh8 Freight”. “Backwards”, an eyes-wide-shut chunk of 4/4-electro bliss, feels a little more positive, but is still laden with poignancy. Regardless of the connotations, Subtle Variance is a superb EP. Rest in peace, Rhys.
