Local singer-songwriter Ardis Redford returns to electronic instrumentals on his new EP Culturemelt 1989. Redford, who is known for being the primary songwriter in the now-disbanded local garage punks TETSUO, takes a break from his solo rock outings to revisit electronic pieces, much like he did in the electronic duo False Colors with Matt Suitt. Redford embraces some of the same synths and vibes as on the False Colors’ 2014 album Vanishing Ink, but goes for a less-polished, abstract sound overall.

The 22-minute, three-track release kicks off with “Soviet Animation.” Over its seven-and-a-half minute runtime, the track messes around with different melodies and instrumentation, notably piano chords that are present through most of the song. They fade away for a bit when Redford inserts some hard-hitting synths straight out of an arcade title. I get more video game vibes during the first half of the song, as I just imagine it working really well as the score to an original PlayStation title from the late ’90s.

“Pisces II” comes next, and it the shortest of the three track at just over four minutes. It’s more uptempo than the others, with a drum machine stacking several layers of speedy percussion underneath. It also features some dialogue tracks with old film characters discussing plans to drive down to the quarry to have some drinks and a story about a character puking on a rug at a party.

Things close out with the nearly 10-minute “Shored Up.” Things settle in with a heavily effected synth sample matched up with hip-hop drums and a chopped up vocal sample. About three-and-a-half minutes in, the songs transition into a series a dizzying synth lines that build with drums and the aforementioned vocal sample as the track goes on.

While Culturemelt 1989 is a quick, simple listen, it’s very addicting. Melodies and sample will get stuck in your head after a listen or two. I’d recommend it for fans of Aphex Twin, Shlohmo, Flying Lotus or any atmospheric techno producer. Check it out for your self on Soundcloud.