Carrier returns to LUX Music with ‘By The Machine’ EP

Returning to LUX Music after his funky single ‘Get It’ on the Aurora series, Carrier is dropping his debut solo EP. Still relatively new to the scene, he’s already carved out his own identity and accompanying signature sound. With his debut EP, aptly named ‘By The Machine’, he gives us an insight into a funk-laden alternative future where AI has taken control.

In the lead single ‘Fantasy’, Carrier flexes his creative muscle. He invites you to listen with a melodic and enchanting intro. It hints at a place of safety and stillness, beautiful but with a subdued edge. The soothing vocals from Nikki Simmons calm you down, but the worried feeling never fully goes away. As the drop hits, Carrier switches into overdrive and takes you on a wild ride. The dissonant guitars and flailing bassline drop all pretence and hint at the bleak future this story is about.

Even though there is a clear contrast between intro and drop, Carrier still manages to make everything a cohesive piece. In fact, it’s the disparity that ties everything together and makes it such a good tool for dancefloors. Hearing this in a rave, it’s easy to be lulled in by the intro or breakdown and blown away when the bass hits.

Up next is the title track ‘By The Machine’. Its haunting intro perfectly encapsulates what’s been hinted at before. A tech-driven environment ruled by AI causes an uneasy feeling and a sense of urgency. The driving bassline drags you into the world and keeps you on your toes, almost as if you need to have eyes in the back of your head.

Following on, ‘Turrican’ sets the mood for the next chapter in this story. Conjuring images of days gone past, filled with stacked arcades and vibrant neon lights. The lively, hurried and exciting scenes lift you up and keep you moving. Even though there are still some sinister undertones, Turrican shines rays of happiness and pleasantness in a world run by AI.

After everything that’s happened, ‘Wayment’ is the perfect ending to the EP, delivering a peaceful, yet wry ending. The laidback flow in the drums and playful synths all culminate in a rebellious final drop, underlining the theme and whipping you up one final time before the end.

All in all, the ‘By The Machine’ EP is a unique piece of work, allowing Carrier to show off his unique style and introduce himself fully to the scene.

Check out our premiere of ‘Fantasy’ below. Carrier drops his ‘By The Machine’ EP via LUX Music on Thursday 12th May, make sure you grab a copy from here!