Israeli-born, Berlin-based Kashpitzky drops new “Reckless” EP full of funk-laden, exuberant techno by way of Shlomi Aber’s Tel Aviv-born, Barcelona-based imprint, Be As One. The four-tracker offers greasy, rubbery grooves undercut by irreverent vocal bits and breaks-infused rave energy.
Kashpitzky’s first EP for the “Be As One” label established a penchant for breaks as well as a desire to navigate the large swaths of techno territory, resulting in a wide production range. This “Reckless” EP explores the funkier side of bassline programming, welcomes more rave-forward breaks, and uses fun vocal snippets to keep the mood in lighter emotional territories. True to form, the Be As One imprint stays eclectic and adventurous with Kashpitzky’s new four track release, focusing on talent that could never be accused of being one-dimensional. Hints of UK Garage pepper the Detroit and Berlin-focused inner machinery, with rooted flavors all around the EP, so it’s no wonder these tracks found a home with Shlomi Aber’s label.
“Defensive Approach” drops into a heavy broken beat as a hypnotic vocal loops and slowly rises. The drums, hats, and percussion all pulse with a proto heartbeat reminiscent of Brazilian rhythms. A clever snare pops in and out, as does a stretchy synth that snaps and modulates like a piece of rubber. The vocal edits warble and move, keeping your attention and controlling the energy of the tune. It’s an excellent opener, setting up the next track with plenty of mystery and anticipation.
The next track and title cut, “Reckless”, appropriately snaps into a bouncy and quick, funky techno groove. Here, the bassline really stands out, keeping the track chugging, modulating, and evolving. It provides not only the groove but also loads of dynamics, taking the energy up and down throughout. The massive bass in the mix is featured heavily, proving to be the main element of this cut. This is the kind of track that DJs know to play to get the dancefloor moving. The bassline’s funk is irresistible, and the syncopated riff will make just about anybody dance. No matter the time of night, when a fiery dancefloor mover is needed, bring out this bassline for the win.
Picking up this same thread, “Midrange” introduces a deep, prominent bassline that modulates, warbles, filters, and dominates the mix. Keeping the vibe in friendly, grimy territory, the vocal bit complements the hypnotic nature of the groove perfectly.
Lastly, we are greeted with “Devil’s Bath,” which one could consider normally to exist in a leftfield sub-genre, but here somehow, it exists perfectly within the previous selections. A frenetic percussion pattern is anchored by a 808-like kick sequence as breaks style snares and hats lift us up into jungle territory. And when the strings enter the picture, the moment is lush, uplifting, and soulful. The subsequent break that follows is even more beautiful. Quite an interesting finish to this excellent “Reckless” EP, and a pure gem.
Listen to and ejoy Kashpitzky’s “Reckless” EP on Be As One, linked above.
-Words by Nicolaas Black
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