London’s Labyrinth Ear eschews obvious retro trappings on its 2012 EP Apparitions. Sure, there are subtle hints of Neu!-inspired krautrock, starting with the opening song, “Amber.” But the duo seems more interested in driving old sounds into new territories. Over stuttering beats and looped synthesizers that sound like a rusty door hinge squeaking out a melody, singer Emily Jacobs coos with ghostly whispered inflections. Keeping her vocals at the same level as the music, she never competes with Tom Evans’ glassy production. He imports more exotic sounds in the following “Goya,” juxtaposing tropical tones with subtle hints of house music simmered down to match Jacobs’ sublime singing. Labyrinth Ear takes a lo-fi approach to the start of “Amethyst Days,” pumping keyboard notes through an oscillating phaser before overlapping, muted beats and the low rumble of warm bass lines make for the most gossamer track here. “Humble Bones” closes with shimmering ambience and Jacobs’ most accessible melodies.

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