Rather than heeding the advice of his own title and trusting in himself, it seems as if Gold Panda has taken the influences on debut LP Lucky Shiner to their illogical ends, and imitated them to the point of anonymity on his Trust EP. Bearing only four tracks, three in earnest as a result of the atmospheric, but truncated, ‘Trust Intro’, the majority of Gold Panda’s latest release reads less like an original record, and more like a who’s who of minimal IDM.
Static laden, aforementioned mood-setter ‘Trust Intro’, turns an ominous Burial-esque vocal sample into a dense fog of haze. But whilst enticing, at only just over a minute long, the soundscape is quickly forgotten by both producer and listener. The following eponymous track utilises none of the previous’ darkness, and with the exception of a baritone “Trust” sample, it’s back to beat basics; there’s a hint of Lucky Shiner in there, but there’s also a heavy dose of Balam Acab. ‘Burnt-Out Car In A Forest’ is similarly explicit in its influence, with Gold Panda seemingly attempting to recreate Four Tet’s trademark organic percussion. But, at over six-minutes, and with less development than something his precursor may have penned, it’s a pleasant homage at best.
Bizarrely titled ‘Casyam_59#02’ is the best track on the EP. Less skittish and far more vibey than the rest, it’s really rather beautiful while it lasts. Ultimately though, it’s a record that’s already consigned itself to a humbly satisfactory insignificance. Not a scratch on the charming Lucky Shiner, not enough to threaten the reputation of his antecedents, but not awful either, Gold Panda can do a lot better.
6/10
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By Alex Throssell
Dance Yrself Clean
