With Starkey’s stunning debut Ephemeral Exhibits still on constant repeat two years after its release, the Philadelphia-based producer dropped his sophomore effort, Ear Drums and Black Holes, on the consistently impressive Planet Mu imprint. Remaining true to the intrinsic qualities of his debut, the follow-up saw Starkey showcase a more refined songwriting talent and wider breadth of sounds. Hyperkinetic synths were absorbed into cinematic and expansive pads, and touch drums were wired together by intricate percussive shifts. With more vocal contributions from the likes of Anneka, P Money and Cerebral Vortex, Starkey revealed a pop sensibility at the heart of his abrasive club-ready mutations to brilliant effect.
