POISON is the collaborative project of producers DJ Plead and T.Morimoto. On this debut self titled EP, the artists contemplate their mixed Lebanese and Japanese heritages through a dense combination of digital emulations and rhythmic patterns. POISON investigate the uncanny abstraction whereby centuries old instruments and rhythmic patterns are encoded into files and presets; digital synths, heavy subs, 808s, and vocals from collaborator ARZ, combine with emulations of the Shakuhachi, Mijwiz, Taiko, and Darbuka among others. Enabled by commercial sound design tools, the two Australians have produced a beguiling piece of audio simulacra to be enjoyed by DJs and listeners alike.

Super Utu present this eponymous EP in 10” polyvinyl chloride. On side A we hear Eh Mnee7 Ft. ARZ. Off-beat guitar strums build tension as ARZ’s auto-tuned Arabic vocals punctuate a pop-song structure, and a digital Mijwizz solo calls dancers to floor. Next is CCGC60, a minimal, trance inducing, techno-not-techno anthem that is at once strange and familiar. On side B Mess Tool channels heady poly-rhythmic bass patterns and wild drum solos, as multiple digital flute melodies chirp playfully above. The final, International Funds Transfer, alternates between tight snare rhythms, heartfelt melodies, and a driving 4 to the floor kick drum that stretches out into an expansive late night DJ weapon.

DJ Plead has recently welcomed the release of a solo EP through Air Max 97’s Decisions label. He is one third of BV (Formerly known as Black Vanilla) and his photography graces this record’s cover as it does numerous other Australian artists including Cop Envy and Jikuroux. Meanwhile T.Morimoto has an ongoing practise as a multi-displinary artist, curator and writer and is currently pursuing academic research into aesthetic standardisation under post-digital conditions. His music has been released through US label Illuminated Paths as well as cult Australian label This Thing, Plastic World and Body Promise.