Shawn Russell JohnsonThree years ago, Jeffrey Edinger also known as Pi Wrecks, released his debut EP entitled Middle of Knowhere. The titled reflected Edinger’s place in the world at the time. He knew where he wanted to be, but couldn’t quite figure out was how to get there. Today, he’s released his newest EP, Arrival. After three long years, Edinger has gained the knowledge needed to reach the place he hoped to be, and that mentality is exhibited excellently in this release.
At first glance, Arrival is a straightforward glitch-hop EP. Listing his influences, Pi Wrecks cites both Pretty Lights and Gramatik, and while the former very obviously shines through in the staggered samples and glitched rhythms that litter the four-track collection, the funk-hop synths beautifully channel Gramatik’s signature vibe. However, as you peel back the layers, Pi Wrecks has very smoothly added his own nuances to the production, displaying his inspiration while carving a style of his very own.
Shining bright on the opening track “Recovery,” is a beautiful acoustic guitar orchestration that takes the front seat and adds a level of separation from the rest of the composition that’s unrivaled on the rest of the album. Despite the sawtooth synth and modulated layers that weave their way in and out of the track, the gorgeous guitar melody plods along unfazed, keeping the spotlight throughout. It’s such a simple riff that draws the right amount of attention without upstaging the entire piece.
The third track, “The Path Not Taken,” is easily the most well-rounded and complete track on the EP. There’s just something so emotional and intense about the keys that form the core of track that makes this single unbelievably easy to loop. I swear I could have sat with it on repeat for hours; there’s so much beauty in its simplicity. While others might have felt the need to garnish it with atmospheric layering, or embellish it with additional effects, Pi Wrecks displays an incredible amount of restraint and lets his melodic showmanship do the work.
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The Arrival EP, while short and sweet, is a musical journey in four parts. It’s the nuances between each of the four tracks that keep you coming back for more. At first listen, it feels slightly worrisome that Pi Wrecks might have played things a little too close to the chest, but once you dive in and let your guard down a bit, you’ll allow yourself to drift off into the sweet, glitch-hoppy bliss that entices you with every listen.