Pardis Nikbakhsh shares debut EP ‘Screech’

UK-based artist and producer Pardis Nikbakhsh studied a master’s in music composition while at the University of Birmingham. During her studies, she began to craft her own distinct sound, resulting in her first release, the two-track EP titled Screech.

Featuring the title-track “Screech” alongside “Cave,” the two tracks offer a window into her wildly creative and highly experimental sound. Building on an electro-acoustic style, she presents two deconstructed compositions that put her vivid sonic world and slick sound design on full display.

With “Cave,” she based the piece on a bedtime story, however, relating to the story strongly herself, the track takes on a new form that reflects her own journey. While in the midst of composing, she fell ill and went to hospital where she was diagnosed with cancer.

Undeterred by her health condition, she continued her creative endeavour and while undergoing chemotherapy, put together the sonic ideas that would ultimately form the song “Screech.” So while not only showcasing her innovative and pioneering sonic vision, this first release from this artist is an astonishing example of her strength, bravery and determination to bring to life her music in the face of extreme adversity and life-changing challenges.

With “Cave,” the warbling flutter of swooshing and clicking sounds fly around the sonic canvas as the crunch of textures add intensity. Revealing her avant-garde sound with hints of sparse melodic flourishes, the piece presents an immersive and truly original soundscape that builds to a consuming wash of absorbing sounds. A song of two halves, the track develops with the lively rhythmic clicks and spacey dashes of synth tones, resulting in an enveloping listening experience unlike anything else.

Title track “Screech,” much of which was actually recorded in hospital while Pardis was undergoing treatment, features her speaking about her experience. With the vulnerability dripping in her voice while the background noise of washing wind sounds sweeps across the mix, the track progresses with the swell of washing textures while shimmering lead synth tones inject light touches of melodic anchors to craft a compelling creative statement from the artist.

Reviving her artistic career against turbulence and overwhelming odds, Pardis Nikbakhsh is an artist who’s captivating story and thoroughly original sound make for a promising return to releasing music. With Screech, she offers a sound that’s bold, unique and moving; it’s music that’s sure to impress producers and fans of experimental alike while Pardis Nikbakhsh opens a new chapter in her own musical story.

Listen to Cave below