Eternal Drive Recordings hits its sixth release with this solid and varied EP from Complicit, which recruits Annie Hall and the excellent Plane Shifter (returning after his own EP on the label) to the remix action. The Canadian label has long been a favourite here at DTR and this latest release typifies their ethos of continual evolution.
The original mix of “Drome 1” is a pacy cut with some house overtones. It’s extremely well constructed using a range of atmospheric shots, horn notes and crashes to round out the rolling bassline and cyclic synth note. The standout feature for me though is the intermittent hi-hats driving the energy up and up as the track goes on.
“Drome 2” plows a slightly deeper furrow with a relentless buzzing topline matched onto some heavy bass action. Time is beaten out with flat, snapping percussion and hissing to echoing cymbals that increase in pitch at each break. Simple and effective, rolling dancefloor business with absolutely no let up.
Suddenly, “Hott” takes us into heavy groove laden tech house territory - it’s breathy, chopped up vocal sample and echoing, plinking breakdowns providing some seriously danceable sounds. Stomping kickdrums (with plenty of weight) and a wobbling bassline fit the groove perfectly. Tight hi-hats keep the pace high and funky - this is a versatile cut for your collection that will work in a lot of sets.
On to the remixes, and the Annie Hall take on Drome 1 is a spacey, broken beat affair really bringing a new direction to the original. I’m reminded a little of [Ø] Phase productions and some of the Token releases in the way the haunting elements build slowly and irresistibly to a climax. This is a great example of an intelligent techno track, probably my pick of the release.
Rounding off the package, Plane Shifter wades straight in on the remix of Drome 2 - pulsating, machinistic techno with an absolute monster of a synth breakdown that just keeps going and going. When it breaks it’s like hearing the track afresh - bouncing 808s, tight percussion and that oh so addictive machine sound. Surefire dancefloor winner.
Overall this is five slabs of great electronic music with something to suit most tastes and situations. A fine addition to the catalogue at EDR and well worth your attention.
- Reviewed by Stuart Ingram for deathtechno.com
