By: Evan Townsend

PANTyRAiD, a West Coast collaboration of glitch and bass music producers Martin Folb (MartyParty) and Josh Mayer (Ooah of The Glitch Mob), has become one of the most stark and unapologetic projects in electronic music. (“Audio fondling your girlfriend,” their website proclaims.) But the duo pander to a crowd with more integrity than their tradition of provocative and panty-laden promotional images suggest.

Their newest EP, Superior, doesn’t sacrifice finesse for its sexually driven intensity. Though PANTyRAiD ventures from their comfortable perch atop the realm of hip-hop and dubstep fusion, their newest album doesn’t sport the same range as their 2009 debut, The Sauce. Instead, it constricts itself in a specific realm of high, sweet melodies vs. rumbling bass backings. But the variety is astounding for such a focused exploration—each tune carries itself with its own distinct personality.

The tweeting title track rolls out cold and glistening, but then slinks along to the tune of billowing whomps and stuttering backbeats. It’s followed by “Jail Bait,” which produces a beautifully surreal mood of haunting sexuality when high, sultry synth blends with a few dolefully struck piano keys.

Contrast is key in “The Music’s Not Over,” where barely-distinguishable pop vocals filter in and out. The throb of deep melodies wash out any potential this track had of turning into Top 40 bubblegum.

Though initially timid, “Testarossa” attacks with white-hot ferocity. Infused with smooth vocal samples, unrelenting grit tears away at the track, leaving a sparse but stunning example of PANTyRAiD’s complete charge of their genre.

PANTyRAiD is stepping out with their latest effort. They may not be as well known as some artists, but these two undoubtedly rank among the upper echelon on the electronic scene today. And the best part? They don’t seem to care. PANTyRAiD may be one of those rare artists who will consistently produce a mind-tingling, skull-rattling experience, whether to a fan base of thirty or thirty thousand. Superior is no exception.

Superior