Edward Scissortongue - Theremin EP Review

By Lu Kuss

Here at One Lion HQ we’re always excited when we receive something new to listen to, particularly when that something turns out to be the sophomore solo release from Contact Play aficionado and all round High Focus badman, Edward Scissortongue.
With this extended player, titled ‘The Theremin E.P’’, we delve a little deeper into the multiple personalities that make up Mr Scissortongue as he takes us on a journey through the alternative corners of his mind.

The first track is an instrumental intro produced by Brighton based electronic music producer Miles Courtney. It beautifully eases you into what's to come with light, resonating synth chords that do an amazing job of setting the scene. As we drift into track 2 entitled ‘Teeth’ we get the first earful of vivid and somewhat morbid bars that this project has to offer. Over a sinister production by experimental Californian beatsmith, Eon Ra, Scissor makes light work of painting images of sizzling human appendages whilst using the same words as metaphorical references...take heed young barsmen, this is a true example of how to paint a picture with your words.

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Track 3 sees a return to the instrumental styles of LampLighter who produced Edwards debut album ‘BETTER.LUCK.NEXT.LIFE’ in its entirety. It’s titled ‘The Wipeout Soundtrack’ and boasts an astonishing feature from from the highly competent Bristol based singer/songwriter, Toyface. Her divine voice perfectly compliments Edward’s flow which is speedier than the previous tunes as he speedily chats about issues true to life whilst managing to perfectly maintain his unquestionable ability to seamlessly mix reality and fiction. 

Next up is a track called ‘Theremin’ produced by Scissor’s long term affiliate and High Focus powerhouse, DIrty Dike. Continuing the the general theme of the project nicely with content that gives us an insight into the darker areas of Edwards mind. This drifts into the fifth track which is a continuation of the previous track and is aptly titled ‘Theremin Part II’. Produced by LDZ’s Sumgii, it distinguishes itself from its predecessor as Edward takes the role of storyteller once again and guides us through a mixture of reality and fiction, cleverly using the third person references of a mad man. This track has an interesting false ending followed by a futuristic and somewhat scary interlude that leads into the subtle, bassy sound of the Konchis produced ‘The Calculator’.  

In this, the sixth and penultimate contribution from the E.P, Edward continues to warp present and past through descriptive lyrics that, as ever, manage to gracefully blur reality with imagination. Lamplighter is back on the boards for the final track titled ‘Cradle’ which is a sinister instrumental that triumphantly rounds off the what you’ve just experienced.

The whole E.P graciously follows a recurring theme and manages to do so with exceptional production from accomplished artists with greatly differing styles.

All in all, this is a project that commands the listener's time and attention and deserves every second of it.

You can pre order the up from the High Focus website, and catch him in Exeter this weekend with Dirty Dike event page and links to tickets found here