Newly emerging Dutch producer Jancen debuts an impressive first EP on Solid Tracks Records with “Ocean of Storms”.
In May of last year, Amsterdam-based producer, Jancen, put out his track “Critical Mass” on a compilation that featured thirty-three, top-tier European producers. “Charity Compilation,” assembled by Berlin’s Entourage Concept aimed to raise funds to support Ukrainians displaced by war. On the compilation, Jancen joined some standout, relatively new artists, including Nicolas Vogler, Ackermann, and Franz Jäger, to name a few. A debut of this caliber is a clear indication Jancen’s capable of making great tunes and is an up-and-comer to seek out. Now, for his very own first official release, we are presented with his “Ocean of Storms” EP on Solid Tracks for a fun and exciting project blending House and Techno tastefully.
Starting off the record is title track, “Ocean of Storms.” A vintage, tribal drum loop kicks things off at a steady pace. Wide and gradual panning, paired with an eccentric, delayed vocal chop help to build the anticipation for an infectious drop. Sustaining a “classic” House vibe throughout, “Ocean of Storms” is a light and festive cut, perfect for setting the mood. Next up, “Serpent Sea” picks up the pace with a driving bass line and hard-hitting Techno kick. Listening to this tune, it becomes apparent that Jancen is consistent when picking the perfect hi hats and ride cymbals for his beats. Around the three-minute mark, the track breaks down as if the DJ is right there, putting in work behind the decks and juggling multiple grooves.
Moving away from the lighthearted, Classic House aesthetic of the first two tracks is the third cut on the EP, “Nightshift.” A mighty synth lead bursts with syncopated pizzazz, and at some point gets overloaded with unnerving distortion. Towards the end of the EP is the track most likely to satisfy the Techno purists in the crowd. “Laminal” uses an aggressive loop resembling the bark of a rabid dog, while dubby delays swirl into oblivion. An evolving percussive suite perfectly fills in the gaps, and we’re off to the races.
Before the EP is over, Jencen brings in KYMRS, an exceptional producer formerly known as Danny Wabbit for one final remix to bring the storm to an end. KYMRS’ remix of “Laminal” is a stripped-back and tranquil interpretation of Jancen’s most Techno-centric track on the project. For his “…in the sun remix,” KYMRS guides dancers to a serene moment on the dancefloor, capturing the feeling of a big pay off, like making it to 6AM with your friends as the sunrise peaks through the horizon. Closing things out, this remix serves as a satisfying grand finale, one that will gently ground you and leave you wanting more.
Support the artists and label with a digital download via the Bandcamp page, linked above.
-Jeronimo Watson
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