Joseph Conroy is a Dublin based producer who recently launched his new EP ‘Dead Go Walking’ under the guise of Project Applause. 

‘Dead go Walking’ is an experimental ambient EP with four diverse songs that merely serve as background music.  Some readers may recall the mellow electronica played on a week night in The Chocolate Bar on Harcourt street; this EP would have fit right in.

Ambient music is a difficult genre to master – The Orb and Pole being the most revered purveyors of relaxing electronic music – but Project Applause make a solid effort.  Beginning with the rather fussy Giants, it’s a rocky start with a mixture of samples failing to make a significant impression. Thankfully this lacklustre  track is not a sign of things to come.

Project Project is a much more intriguing listen. Beginning with crowd and operatic samples over a simple drumbeat, it assends slowly, gaining momentum throughout building into a traditional ambient track.

The final two tracks are the ones which give a little more insight into what Project Applause has to offer to the genre. The eponymous track is a peaceful, soothing number which makes good use of guitar and  keyboards to build a baroscopic affair. The last song, Winter, is undoubtedly the highlight of the EP.  This track is relaxing; starting off with a pulsating sound gradually bringing in a blissful melody. It is akin to something that might appear at a pivotal moment in an independent film. It is quite and anti-climatic; completely intentional, it seems, as it is a sleepy, lazy track; perfect for chilling out to.

This EP is a hypnotic collection of four diverse ambient tracks. It doesn’t impress immediately but it builds into an introspective delight. Earth shattering, it’s not, but it serves its purpose. A lot of work will have to go into this particular project for it to make a real impact. The foundations however have been laid for something that will certainly attract fans of the genre.