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
