Kowton - ‘Looking At You’ by BOILER ROOM

Good to see Keysound continuing the quality output after a very strong 2011 with releases from LV, Sully and Damu that all shone out. The Kowton Vs Dusk EP does exactly what it says on the tin, with it’s two sides split between label owner Dusk and Bristol based producer, Kowton. Dusk’s contribution ‘Fraction’ is his first foray into solo production, and the results are very positive. Ominous interweaving synths and a towering sub bass are met by some stunning drum programming which skitters across the stereo spectrum, subtly evolving and expanding across it’s five and a half minutes. Kowton’s remix is not so much a remix as a rework, stripping the percussion back and straightening the tune out slightly in the process. It’s not a bad rework, though perhaps a little superfluous.

On the flip, Kowton’s original ‘Looking At You’ is the standout cut. He’s been creating some great, distinctive house music for awhile now and LAY continues this pedigree. Heavily swung and featuring a cheeky Beyonce sample, it skips along on a bed of rumbling subs and repetitive detuned chord stabs, creating a nice groove in the process. It’s subtle yet effective and I’ve found myself playing it out in a lot of recent sets.

Recommended. Pick up a copy here

PSQ007 - Kowton & Tom Dicicco - Untitled EP - www.projectsquared.net by Project Squared

Project Squared have done a nice twist on the split EP format for PSQ007. The 4 track release features two originals, one from Bristol’s Kowton and one from Manchester’s Tom Dicicco both named ‘Untitled’. The B side sees the pair remix the each others originals. Kowton’s contribution to the EP is raw and sparse, driven by rattly wooden percussion and a throbbing bassline that lurches around underneath a plodding beat. It’s heads down stuff and draws to mind some of the Non Plus output of recent months, never quite settling right in the groove yet also very danceable.

Tom Dicicco’s original is more straight ahead techno; spacious and pounding, utilising minimal elements to maximum effect. Metallic, industrial sounds float around a framework of steely hard drums, whilst a filtered stab hits on the off-beat to provide some semblance of a melody. Fans of Marcel Dettmann and Berghain techno will find a lot to like here.

For the remixes its a similar story, with both producers applying their own aesthetic approaches to the others’ work. For the money, my preference is for Kowton’s slow house remix with its heavily swung rhythms, murky synths and hypnotic drawn-out vocals.

An interesting concept that has been nicely executed by Project Squared.

Untitled EP is released 9th December. Pre order here