Paul Byrne aka Apiento makes a rare solo outing on “World building”
Best known for starting Test Pressing, Apiento aka Paul Byrne has an impressive track record of working in music studios alongside the likes of William Orbit and Andrew Hale (of Sade), as well as having played a crucial role in the A&R of cult labels Guerilla Records & Junior Boy’s Own during the 90s.
Although his productions are few and far between, the London-based producer has an impressive knack of serving up catchy hooks, wrapped in immersive ambience that clearly reflect his years of experience and immaculate taste.
“Things You Do For Love” marks the Test Pressing boss’ first solo single for several years with a 7” single on World Building, run by Ari Goldman of Beautiful Swimmers. Laying down a bubbly downtempo, delay-filled groove that pitches itself somewhere between Larry Heard and the elastic sway of The Orb, sat by the poolside. The lead side is filled with bottom heavy bass that saunters along to vocal whisperings, erring on the erotic side of new wave stylings… but with far less angst.
On the flipside, the “Heartbeat” mix opts for an even deeper view from the side as Byrne pitches in with a trippy dubbed-out re-version that takes all the essence of goodness from the original, strips it back and then psyches out. Taking an alternative direction that harks back to a more carefree time where the hazy side of pop and strawberry fields merged somewhere down the middle, quite possibly wearing a colourful shirt.
