Amassing a reputation and a fan base that answers first and foremost to quality, Sam Andrus has developed the 5AM project into a high-fidelity multi-tool; from the live solo performances and evolutionary 3-piece band, to the numerous sound design and composition workshops, his pronounced graphic design skill set, and his modest catalog of studio release, he's a veritable jack of all trades and a remarkable powerhouse amongst the wider field of his contemporaries. Earlier this week, he gave eager listeners the next taste of that developing discography; the Aperture EP.

~5AM~ · Aperture

Aperture is a pronounced, mesmerizing journey through the modern inflections of electronic music, showcasing the 5AM penchant for weaving together electronic production and live instrumentation. Rich and dynamic, the three track EP opens with “Intangible,” a jam-inspired and atmospheric track that features ethereal vocals and juicy low end synthesis. Crescendoing into a glitched-out, percussive breakdown, the recurrent focus on vocoder lines and driving guitar chops bears the hallmarks of the evolving 5AM sound. “Feeling”, by contrast, is the predominantly soulful highlight of the compilation. Featuring the vocal chops of lyricist Maya Elise, churning bass lines give way to her impassioned lines and bed of lush keys and skittering horns. Melting away just long enough to engender a choice bridge and solo, courtesy of Keith Wadsworth, the track matures several musical motifs that have dotted numerous 5AM Trio performances in recent years. The EP’s title track, “Aperture", features the widest range of textures and effects to create a vivid landscape of sound. The track’s driving beat and underbelly are augmented by an array of manipulated and distorted vocal samples, cuts of modulated synthesis and choice, overdriven guitar lines. The track builds to a thrilling climax, with everything from the dynamics to tension flexing into novel and charismatic forms.

Overall, Aperture showcases 5AM’s ability to blend jazz, fusion, funk, bass music, and futuristic compositions into thrilling sonic experiences. The EP is a testament to both Andrus' individual strides and that of his numerous frequent collaborators and band mates. With a slew of recent trio and solo performances recently under his belt, as well numerous upcoming appearances, fans new and old are sure to be treated to a few lasting variations of these three salacious tracks.

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