Playing with a mix of spoken word and sung lyrics in both English and French, powerful techno beats and fear-inducing soundscapes, New Path is a beautifully balanced and flowing record.
Anyone who has read A Scanner Darkly, published in 1977, will remember the paranoid, drug-addled lens through which its characters are shown — that same unsettling feeling is strewn throughout Essaie Pas' latest effort.
The concept of New Path works well, as its icy techno atmosphere is a perfect fit with the dystopia of Philip K Dick’s novel, and ultimately it proves itself to be Essaie Pas’ most purposeful and satisfying release yet.
New Path, in its own right and name, hints towards a reflection of new beginnings, exploring new sounds, perceptions, reality, distortion, disruptive measures and dystopian futures.
New Path is perhaps the most challenging release yet from the already confrontational duo, and while it's not as accessible as Demain, it's still rewarding and often exciting.