Bristol experimental band Scaler announce new EP, Reflex

Bristol-based experimental ensemble Scaler is set to release a new EP titled Reflex, their first collection of new material since their sophomore album Endlessly. The upcoming release represents a conscious creative pivot, reflecting the band's desire to break away from the protracted and intricate songwriting process that characterized their previous work.

At the forefront of Reflex is the single "Spiral," a track that unfolds as Scaler's most intense and physically charged effort to date. Departing from their usual rhythmic patterns, "Spiral" ventures beyond the traditional 4/4 time signature, evolving from a hypnotic, slow-burning beat into a dynamic, metallic pulse. This composition embodies a cyclical, accelerating motif, evoking the sensation of a looping thought gaining momentum.

Scaler's creative approach on Reflex is notably more immediate and visceral. Unlike their prior album, which involved layered studio refinement, the new songs were crafted collaboratively in real time, with all four band members interacting directly alongside their electronic equipment. This method aimed to capture a spontaneous, instinct-driven energy—where physical impulse takes precedence over deliberation—resulting in music that embodies both confrontation and retreat, a sonic manifestation of reflexive response.

The band’s commitment to immersive live performance extends beyond their sound. Working with visual artist Jason Baker, Scaler has developed a multisensory show where audio, lighting, and visuals merge seamlessly, enhancing the audience experience. This integrated presentation has been showcased at notable events such as headlining the ArcTanGent Festival, closing the Shangri La stage at Glastonbury, and appearing at major festivals including Boomtown, Green Man, End Of The Road, ADE, and Nuits Sonores.

Looking ahead, Scaler is preparing for a series of live dates across the UK. Their schedule includes appearances at Brighton’s Mutations Festival and the Jarred Up event in Sheffield, alongside performances in prominent cities such as London, Liverpool, Manchester, and their hometown of Bristol. These shows are expected to further highlight the band’s raw, energetic reinterpretation of their sound.

The shift embodied in Reflex and "Spiral" marks a significant evolution for Scaler, underscoring their willingness to challenge their own musical boundaries and embrace a more direct and unfiltered expression. By prioritizing collective improvisation and live dynamics, the band seeks to reconnect with the primal aspects of performance, creating a more immediate and impactful connection with their audience.

While details on the full tracklist and release date for Reflex remain limited, early indications point to a project that both honors and disrupts the trajectory set by Endlessly. This forthcoming EP promises to offer listeners a fresh perspective on Scaler’s experimental ethos, balancing intensity with spontaneity.

Scaler’s journey underscores their position within the UK’s vibrant experimental music scene, continually pushing the envelope of genre and performance. Their renewed focus on live synergy and reflexive creation suggests exciting directions ahead, reinforcing their status as innovators in contemporary music.