Powell ends a second of silence with a mind-numbing refix of an Ike Yard classic. “Half a God” first appeared on IY’s self-titled album from 1982. The album was one of the only releases on Factory America, the colonist wing of Tony Wilson’s out-dance empire. It’s effect on music was and remains extraordinary – the pulsing, decaying synths and stuttering drums can be heard within the sounds of modern modular synth enthusiasts, minimal wave-fetishizers, and dance-punk freaks worldwide.
Very few artists wear the Ike Yard influence as loudly or proudly on sleeve as Oscar Powell. His stunning track record is as indebted to IY as it is to modern UK bass and diminished No Wave. So it’s no wonder that his update of “Half a God” reeks of enthusiastic respect rather than arrogant gutting and modernizing. Powell gets at the spirit of the track, letting much of the body remain while adding illuminating harsh noise and subtle touches. Let yourself be pulverized below; pre-order the remix EP from Desire Records.