Belgian label, VOLTAGE Imprint, lives up to its name with four electrifying cuts from Altinbas & Cirkle’s latest collaborative “Cynical Moves” EP.
Two distinctly talented Techno producers in their own right, Altinbas and Cirkle first unveiled a collaborative track titled “Uhlanga,” in late March of this year. Their collaboration found its home on “Fuga lll,” the third edition of a various artist compilation series, put out by the highly esteemed Techno label, Token Records. What appears to be a relatively recent pairing of a Belgian and a Greek has now churned out a truly exceptional record, titled “Cynical Moves.” The four-track EP, released on VOLTAGE Imprint, showcases some of their best work to date and sets a very high bar.
From the moment you hit play, the first and title track “Cynical Moves” will have you in its hooks. A massive kick rolls and rumbles all while tussling with bursts of violent static. Lush reverb rings out, building tension and creating a sense of vast open space for the duo to revel in and explore. Track two, “Dawn,” kicks things up a notch with a wild, flailing synth lead that just won’t relent. Once again, the two producers demonstrate their remarkable skills and shared sensibility, creating a beat that pushes the limit both in loudness and energy, yet somehow, at the same time, feels nuanced, balanced, and refined. Next, “Divergence” makes one wonder if those are drums or some kind of bass line around the fifteen-second mark. Whatever the sound is, give us more. The loop won’t relent. Instead, two feuding melodic leads sneak their way into the composition—the final touch that sets the track over the top and will surely keep dancers locked in. Closing out the “Cynical Moves” EP is one last weapon perfect for the peak time. “Nightwalker,” sounds like being caught in a hailstorm of sharp objects. A rapid-fire dainty lead is joined by a similarly frantic bright chime or hi hat. As the two layers mesh, all empty space quickly disintegrates. An operatic vocal pad makes a sudden appearance for a brief moment of salvation from the otherwise grueling onslaught of sizzling electronics.
Hopefully “Cynical Moves” isn’t the only collaborative release we see from this prolific production duo, because together, they truly excel. Support the artist and label with a digital download or by purchasing a vinyl copy via the Bandcamp page, linked above.
-Jeronimo Watson
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