The Kassian duo release a UK-tinged Techno EP on seminal imprint K7 Records titled “Phase Two”.
The UK-based duo drop their debut on the highly acclaimed K7 Records following a string of releases on their own imprint Faux Poly, 20/20 Vision, and Shall Not Fade. Having formed by chance after meeting in London, Danvers & Xclnce cut their teeth in the Bristol and London club scenes before a studio session in London’s famous studio “The Premises”. It caught the attention of Detroit Swindle, and they then signed their debut EP to Heist Recordings in 2018. The pair have been on a steady rise since then and the release of this “Phase Two” EP shows the more techno side that they have been scheming up lately.
“Phase Two” starts with a driving, minimal techno groover in “X-303”. The relentless bassline and haunting synths grab the attention immediately and show that house isn’t the only thing the Kassian boys are good at. Mild acid tones are found throughout and are just present enough to add that creepy vibe that is so prevalent these days. “Tabla” follows up next and is a UK-flavored track with a rolling bassline and a skipping voice that repeats “n-n-n-not the same, we are not the same”. Kassian definitely came with a multitude of influences on this track that are perfect for warming up a crowd and feature a mild Burial touch that can definitely be heard as it progresses.
Another eerie techno track with that UK touch presents itself in “Prelude”. With synth stabs throughout and a vocal that says “Let’s all vibe together”, this track is also perfect for warming up the crowd before a heavy change of pace. The final track on the EP, “Patterns,” comes in the form of a broken beat. Chilling chords, arpeggiated synths, a driving bassline, and minimal drum work provide an incredible end to the EP.
The combination of every track on this EP makes for a listening experience that will be sure to turn heads and keep the attention of this two-part outfit from London.
Kassian have proven with this release that they came to play with the big boys in the UK scene and can hang with the likes of Special Request, Bicep, and Joy Orbison. Check out the EP at the Bandcamp link, provided above, and be sure to support.
-Peter Stimson
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