[Doldrums]

As 2010 wrapped up we saw loads of lists, mostly looking to review, summarize, analyze and scrutinize the past twelve months. Some, however, looked to be diviners, predicting the trends of the next year based on what’s come before. Certain things, however, like Kassem Mosse’s increasing popularity with UK producers, are difficult to foresee. Mosse’s star has been rising quite a bit ever since Workshop 03 alerted many of us to his existence, but I never expected to find his abstract and tripped-out brand of slow house embraced by both nominally drum and bass labels (NonPlus+) and the likes of Joy Orbison (Doldrums). Luckily for listeners, his cross-pollination has proven not only effective but sees all involved parties bring their A game.

London-based newcomer Braiden makes his debut with The Alps, the third release on Doldrums. Tucked away on the AA, the title track is a tense cut infused with dark atmospherics and pitched down grumbles, where slight melodic touches brush shoulders with stuttering vocals, all below jacking rimshots and hi-hats. It’s a strong first shot, one that will only increase the number of people wagging their tongues in Braiden’s service. On remix duty, KM maintains the energy of Braiden’s original while venturing into more mind-bending territory, constructing trippy synth lines that intermingle with the pitched and chopped voices. While my favorite of Mosse’s productions are when they’re at their slowest and headiest, his recent output at more floor-friendly tempos has seen no sacrifice in quality, something his “fix” of “The Alps” can attest to. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite side, but easy for me to recommend The Alps wholeheartedly.