tracklist:
01. Ledge of Ash
02. The Maze
03. Before I Forget
Illusion Of Choice marks the end of the first era for Public Memory. It is comprised of three previously unreleased songs which date from as far back as the 2015 sessions for Wuthering Drum up through summer 2019.
"Ledge Of Ash" is a sparse, low BPM nighttime soliloquy with spring reverb vox, PM's signature tape-delayed MS-20, a foggy piano loop and minimal drum machine. "The Maze" finds us somewhere between 2018's 'Demolition' and a b-side from 'Amok' (Atoms For Peace) where a scheming bass guitar, melting square wave synths and disjointed percussion create a spiraling labyrinth. This is also Toher's best vocal performance to date. "Before I Forget" is built on a marching drum loop with a mood that reads like a eulogy. Toher's vocal is more intimate than ever, lamenting the memory of a loved one, he sings "I passed by and you are gone now / was longing for a friend / your face in the carnival lights / could I have sent you running down."
According to Public Memory, this EP is the final installment in a series of four releases (Illusion of Choice, Demolition, Veil of Counsel, Wuthering Drum) by the producer before shifting gears and exploring new territories - taking his brand of emotive electronic music, imbued with bowing synths, haunted vocals and dubby percussion into its next era.