Drawing us in with dimensional soundscape with bright, laser-like synths, bounding textures, psychedelic detailing and a subversive, crunchy bass, Matt Orenstein opens Poltergeist with dynamism and intrigue.
The opus expands with atmospheric, pitched vocals, which feel haunting, almost as if sung behind a mask or veil – aligned with the title of the track. Although dark in concept, there is a brightness to the piece, which feels light and airy, almost like a friendly ghost. As for the lyrics, they almost feel romantic in some ways. Casper 4.0, are you there?
There is a cinematic allure to the track, perhaps a scene from a future season of Wednesday on Netflix, or even something like Euphoria on HBO. There is an avant-garde vibe to Poltergeist, which we deeply connect with – as might fans of SOPHIE.
We learn that it is the second single from LA-based composer Matt Orenstein’s forthcoming album Desiccation, due later this year. The track is designed to embody the album’s signature blend of cinematic grandeur and industrial dance textures, fusing the desiccated noise of Demdike Stare, the kinetic energy of DJ Rashad and the spectral atmospheres of Burial.
Written and programmed primarily on an MPC, with only minimal use of a DAW for mixing and analog synth overdubs, Matt tells us how Poltergeist manifests with a tactile, physical energy that evokes the eerie pulse of an after-hours dance floor haunted by unseen forces. Sonically, it is meant to be both ghostly and alive.
We love the track, and have added Poltergeist to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Matt Orenstein, and anticipate the release of Desiccation!