My Favorite Robot have managed to build up both a significant following for their musical output and a significant record label since starting in 2009. Back in the early days they shared office space with Jonny White and so it feels fitting that this new EP is coming it on White's No. 19 label, to be followed with an album on the label later in the year.
Looking For Frost is a slice of moody electro, full of spectral melodies and ambient pads. The track is glassy and withdrawn in its entrance, building to a stark electronic melody and a haunting vocal refrain, "sometimes I get the feeling something ain't right". Slow to build but with some heavy bass that kicks in halfway through, once the track gets going this bass propels it forward, creating a futuristic, alienated and robotic feeling atmosphere.
Mixes come from the DFA's Juan Maclean and Mexico's Louie Fresco. Juan Maclean's been specialising in introducing humanity to robotic music for years and he does just that here - the looped vocal framed in glitchy sounds while Maclean tweaks a bass line that gives the track a more grounded feel. Trebly handclaps lend the track a hint of vintage whilst that distorted bass gives a heavy, funky feel that builds on the original effectively.
Louie Fresco has provided two mixes, a straight-up remix and a digital exclusive dub. The remix is short on vocals, has a slow build with a series of 80s effects, additional live percussion and some acid that gives the track a more intense edge. The dub removes even more of the vocal and puts the groove front and centre. Both are good but the Juan Maclean mix remains my pick.
Looking For Frost is out on No. 19 Music on 20 May.