The Vanisher: The Tic-Tac Tactic
Spectral/Ghostly International

Sweden's Håkan Lidbo dons The Vanisher moniker for this fine Spectral three-tracker. On the acidic title cut, Lidbo enriches a dark base of pounding beats, cymbal splashes, and rollicking percussion patterns with whispered vocals and gossamer synth waves that float serenely in the background. By contrast, the fleet “The Tic-Tac Tactic (Osborne's Simulacrum Mix)” pursues a sunnier, trance-like vibe where vaporous smears rub elbows with rubbery bass lines and swinging microhouse clatter. “Toothpaste,” on the other hand, oozes portent and mystery. Here ghostly voice snippets and spectral glimmers flutter overtop subtly percolating techno rhythms until its flute-like whistles vaporize and the track itself vanishes. In spite of its brevity, The Tic-Tac Tactic satisfies with its compelling array of contrasts.

October 2004