Though it clocks in at only 25 minutes, That Fleeting Feeling is much more of an album than Regina Chang and Vincent Wong’s first long-player, Musica de Digitalia (2006). While the latter was an excellent collection of tracks, the unity of thought behind this EP lends the work a sense of wholeness (Digitalia, meanwhile, was inconsistent; at times bouncy and relaxing, at others grating). Entirely instrumental and digital, That Fleeting Feeling pays homage to Snoblind’s idol, DJ Shadow, with slow, ominous beats of mostly snare and top-hat, and atmospheric layering of simple piano, prominent bass-lines, and fuzzed-out noise distortions.

The track titles point to the fact this is a Hong Kong-oriented EP. As with What Does My City Sound Like parts one and two, tunes that juxtapose sounds of industry and commerce with delicate Oriental melodies. With that in mind, the EP’s closer, Ocean Frontal Blues – an initially soothing track that devolves into mimicry of the jackhammers and construction noises that currently blight the Central waterfront – can be seen as a lament for the land reclamation as the government goes about its ‘beautification’ of our coastlines. It’s a jarring end to what is a very nifty EP, reminding us that those comfortable feelings from the start of the album were fleeting, indeed.

Snoblind are known for accompanying their work with striking visuals; in That Fleeting Feeling, the music paints very vivid visuals of its own. No doubt a live show will only enhance the experience. And here’s more reason to commend the duo: being Creative Commons advocates, the EP is available for free download at snoblind.com. Go do it. Then go see them live.

Hamish McKenzie