Empty Taxi “IRIZAJN EP”

06 Nov 2014 — Evelyn Malinowski

Get ready for combative, moody electronic pop, likely influenced much by The Knife, My Brightest Diamond, and, yes, perhaps a little by the Lords of Acid. Brussels-based artist Zoë Mc Pherson, aka Empty Taxi, has recently released the IRIZAJN EP, which is delicious, driven, and emotionally wholesome. It has an eye on the bigger picture of the planet, and this comes across through both the lyrics and diverse musicality.

From the opening of the EP, we're confronted with exciteable, seductive percussion along with robotic R'n'B frequencies. These come together to meet world music motifs, like the flute solo towards the conclusion of "Eskimo." Contextually, the lyrics of said song bolster the observation that world music tropes are present, as it is explained how Inuit peoples make sounds to defy language in order to have their spirits better understood. "Éfe Forest" displays a sample that seems like an indigenous song, accompanied by quick and encouraging, ceremonial beats.

Mc Pherson's voice is deep and captivatingly wrapped around her song structures, bearing political and world-aware messages, especially in "Brainsculpt." Meanwhile, "Bending" is a nasty, more Knife-like, techno piece. The EP's closing track is a beautiful, expansive vibe, hosted by a poetic title and zero lyrics: "Bars in Ljubljana Castle."

Stream Empty Taxi's IRIZAJN EP below, or purchase the cassette here.