[Ostgut Ton]

Ostgut Ton have made quite an impact with their mix CDs. Both timely and timeless, the Berghain and Panorama Bar residents always try to create something lasting; indeed, the first Panorama Bar CD by Cassy has yet to leave my mix CD rotation. With high standards in mind, anticipation for Panorama Bar 02 grows every day, not least thanks to two teaser 12″s Ostgut Ton releases containing exclusive tracks from the CD. “Part I” features the talents of Toronto’s Basic Soul Unit and Dublin-based Lerosa, and is soon to be followed by contributions from Levon Vincent and Panorama Bar resident Steffi.

Basic Soul Unit’s “Things Pass” kicks off with a wicked house shuffle of light, airy hi-hats and a heavy, pogoing bass line soon joined by a distinct ping (as someone left the car door open). A muscular lead surges between the percussion with Chicago on the brain, charging through foamy pads before meeting an equally compelling counter melody. BSU makes the most of relatively simple movements and gives dancers plenty of cause to shake it. Armed with an very raw sounding percussion bank, Lerosa mines darker territories on the flip, fastening a square wave bass line with shivering trills in the background and a multitude of sonic flourishes. Snare hits (real ones, at that) shake things up in the middle, giving the track an almost militaristic stomp and authority. Both tunes make their presence felt in the mix on Tama Sumo’s CD, but heard on their own they move and breathe with exceptional vigor. In some ways, the first Panorama Bar 02 12″ handily summarizes what Ostgut Ton is all about. With a stomping, classics-routed jam on the A-side and a more head-down, experimental affair on the B-side, the EP epitomizes the label’s appeal to the body and mind in equal measures. And if there’s a better way to get fans licking their chops in anticipation for Tama Sumo’s mix, I haven’t heard it yet.