Various Artists
Hallways

Pretty Sneaky indeed!

RDS plumbs the depths of analogue texture on his Kalahari debut proper. Following a guest appearance on Eversines’ ‘Plooi’ EP, the Amsterdam artist returns to explore the more expansive integers of his hi-tech sound across four deftly crafted tracks.It's exactly the sort of enveloping, sophisticated material we’ve come to expect from a De Lichting member.Straight deep space manoeuvres on the opener. Setting billowing widescreen pads against solid, tight groove, ‘2312’ feels as if it’s escaping the eye of some turbulent solar event. Then, landing with a sensitivity absent from the harsh climes of its predecessor, ‘BBsuite’ leaps from translunar to tenderness with dappled keys and lithe breakbeat intricacy. Saying that, there’s still something undeniably explorative and sc-fi in its mood, almost reminiscent of Orbital or Future Sound of London.There’s more refined deepness on the flip, starting with ‘Silky’s supple, slinky flex. Forlorn, exquisitely widescreen ambient techno, it treads between the warm optimism of early Detroit modes and a certain somber melancholia. And finally, ‘Autechrein’ finds RDS smudging his palette on a dusty, downtempo overhaul of the after-hours formula.

EYA Records label has scored another big one here with this old-school House and Techno flavoured EP by UK producer Tom Carruthers. In the last couple of years, the Chesire music-making machine has impressed with a series of super solid releases on LIES and his own Non Stop Rhythm imprint.“In Grooves EP” is an ode to the 90’s dance music sound with a modern and refreshing perspective. The opener “ So Long’ is a driving and hypnotic peak time track while “Distant World” is evocative and dreamy. On the flip side “Echoes’ is an acid-tingled deep cut that will make move every dancefloor, closing the EP is the superb bleepy number “Mode 7”.Limited to 300 copies, don’t miss it.

Can you hear the hoofs? For their first Various Artist Compilation, Espace Noir is proud to bring to its stables some of the most daring riders in the scene. All the way from Canada come Unknown Mobile and Maara. They join Melbourne (Naarm) favourites Mabel and Reflex Blue. The result? Stomping 303 lines, spaced out vocals and punching breaks that might just knock you off your saddle. Giddy up cowboy, these equine beauties are gonna take you for a real gallop.