With “Poltergeist,” Los Angeles–based composer, bassist, and producer Matt Orenstein unveils a masterclass in electronic experimentation, merging the tactile energy of analog textures with the precision of contemporary digital sound design. As the second single from his upcoming full-length album Desiccation, the track stands as a compelling statement of intent — a spectral, bass-heavy journey that bridges the worlds of dubstep, glitch, and atmospheric electronica.
From its opening seconds, “Poltergeist” feels alive — or perhaps, more fittingly, haunted. The rhythmic structure is rooted in a broken-beat framework, recalling the twitchy kineticism of DJ Rashad’s footwork while maintaining a sense of eerie restraint. The percussion pattern constantly shifts, refusing to settle into predictable loops. Instead, Orenstein lets the drums breathe and fracture, pulling the listener through syncopated pulses and ghostly echoes that seem to materialize and vanish within the stereo field. Each snare hit and kick drum feels sculpted by hand, resonating with a sense of physicality rarely achieved in digitally programmed rhythm.
The synth work on “Poltergeist” deepens this haunting effect. Orenstein’s analog sensibilities — most of the track was written and sequenced on an MPC before being finalized in a DAW — give the sound a distinctly tactile edge. Layers of gritty oscillations and shimmering leads intertwine, producing a sonic environment that feels simultaneously mechanical and organic. There’s a clear nod to Demdike Stare’s desiccated noise blasts in the track’s use of decaying tones and submerged frequencies, yet Orenstein infuses these textures with his own cinematic precision. Each element sits deliberately within the mix, creating a sense of spatial depth that mirrors his experience as a film composer.
The atmosphere of the track lives up to its title. “Poltergeist” evokes a spectral presence — something unseen but palpably close. The low-end swells with an unsettling warmth, while distant vocal fragments hover like disembodied whispers, reminiscent of Burial’s waterlogged R&B ghosts. There’s a constant tension between beauty and unease: lush harmonies rise and dissolve into static, moments of rhythmic clarity are swallowed by distorted interference, and melodies drift in and out of focus as if transmitted from another dimension. It’s this balance of structure and disintegration that makes “Poltergeist” so captivating.
Despite its experimental framework, the track remains deeply danceable. Beneath the abstraction lies a pulse that keeps the energy alive, guiding the listener through shadowed corridors of sound. The drop — when it comes — is subtle yet powerful, releasing a surge of bass pressure that grounds the spectral atmosphere in physical vibration. It’s the kind of moment that feels equally suited to a darkened club or a late-night headphone session, proof of Orenstein’s ability to blur the boundaries between body and mind in his music.
Orenstein’s background as both a film composer and experimental musician clearly informs his approach. Having scored award-winning films and worked with artists across diverse genres, he brings a narrative sensibility to “Poltergeist.” Every sonic detail feels intentional, part of an unfolding story that rewards close listening. The composition unfolds like a scene — rising tension, ghostly revelations, and a lingering sense of ambiguity that remains after the final beat fades.
In an era when electronic production often leans toward sterile perfection, “Poltergeist” stands out for its textured humanity. By building the majority of the track outside the computer and later blending in analog synths, Orenstein achieves a warmth and imperfection that lends the piece life. The imperfections aren’t flaws — they are fingerprints, echoes of the artist’s hands on the machine.
With “Poltergeist,” Matt Orenstein has crafted more than a single — it’s a statement of artistic identity, a preview of the nuanced worlds likely to unfold on Desiccation. Haunted yet rhythmic, experimental yet accessible, it’s a release of exceptional quality that we are genuinely thrilled to host on our webzine. Orenstein captures the rare magic of electronic music that both moves the body and stirs the imagination — a ghost in the machine that refuses to fade.