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The UK-based netlabel Ambidextrous Records has begun to develop a reputation of releasing some of the finest underground electronic material the web has to offer, and Kingbastard’s newest EP [ L i t t l e R e d ] B o o k is no exception. With material ranging from rambunctious IDM to tranquil melodic passages, the EP is a progression of Kingbastard’s sound, building off of the artist’s already well-established yet criminally under-exposed portfolio of releases.

[ L i t t l e R e d ] B o o k is a compact yet complex release that is quick to arrive and slow to depart. The opening track "[ f i s h b o a t n c o ]" is an absolute monster, propelling a storm of technical beats and glitch-filled textures with razor sharp precision. The following track, "[ o n c e  a’ ]" is also quite something to behold with its captivating vocal sample and quirky rhythm, making it without a doubt the stand-out piece of this EP. A bit to my dismay, the album seems to lose a lot of its momentum after this point, moving into softer, more delicate territory. While a shift in tempo isn’t necessarily a bad thing, the invigorating pulse of the first two tracks is dearly missed as the EP plays out its four remaining pieces.

Minor grievances aside, [ L i t t l e R e d ] B o o k proves to be a highly enjoyable and stimulating experience in electronic composition; short, sweet and right to the point. The artist has successfully managed to deliver an EP that is both professional in quality and playfully open-minded in spirit. Fans of the genre will have a hard time disagreeing that Kingbastard is hands-down one of the most underappreciated electronic artists of 2008.

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Reviewer: Sean Butze Added: April 13th 2008