- Megaprojects is a knowingly ironic title for the first solo Morgan Geist EP in seven years, an architecture-referencing four-tracker of smooth house that tips its hat to classic Chicago and Detroit sounds. Using "cheap little drum machines and rejected old synths," Geist sets himself a test: can I build the same house using cheaper materials? On the outside, Megaprojects One isn't too radical a departure—the melodies are as clear and catchy as ever, and his drums still swing with a catwalking strut.
"Darkstar"'s edges show signs of Geist's pared-down set-up—the hi-hats, for example, sound like scrubbing brushes—but it doesn't distract from what an absolute bomb it is. The main riff—an authoritative, trumpeting synth line—is circled by snare rolls, whistles and cute MIDI melodies. There's a distinct sense of "fuck it" about these little flourishes, and there's nothing to suggest his instincts were off when throwing caution to the wind.
After "Trackstar," a less melodic mix of "Darkstar," comes "The Idiot Track". A deep 909 kick gets to work over two incongruous elements: a regal, vapour-light synth line and gauche 16-bit funk that evokes Derrick May and Sonic The Hedgehog in equal measure. Besides being a great house track, it has a sly sense of humour, which "Clarence"'s belching vocal also demonstrates. As an austerity exercise, Megaprojects One is a tribute to how far efficiency can get you.
TracklistA1 Darkstar
A2 Trackstar
B1 The Idiot Track
B2 Clarence