[Spectral Sound]

So far the partnership of Daso Franke and Pawas Gupta has proven fruitful. Beginning with their “Night Express EP” for Flash Recordings and continuing on “KKB,” the bubbling builder which stood tallest on the Spectral Sound “Dintf EP,” the pair has definitely shown artistic chemistry. But whereas previous collaborations were primed and ready to be deployed in the club, Daso and Pawas’ “Det” EP for Spectral Sound pulls back for a more introspective feel. Thankfully, that’s where one of British house/techno’s unsung heroes, Joshua Brent aka Schatrax comes in to coax the relaxed A side back onto the dance floor.

In spite of attentive, flick-of-the-wrist woodblock percussion, “Det”‘s main progression languidly winds its way to the forefront, slides down the scale and bend even further in a jaw-unhinging tonal yawn. It gradually firms up over the course of nine minutes and is generally quite easy on the ears, if not too easy and unwound. Schatrax, however, wastes no time in revving “Det” up while maintaining the shimmering appeal of the original, though its progression reflects upon itself as if trapped in a prism. This foments momentum and tension, aided handily by claps, rustling hi-hats and a solid kick. The digital version of the EP also includes Schatrax’s bonus beats, which reworks the percussion for a greater bounce and more room on either end for mixing. “Brazil to Detroit,” D&P’s second crack at things, is slightly livelier. Using a larger regiment of percussion, including 16th note snare taps and oddly timed knocks at the window, the tune attempts building a head of steam with a flagging minor melody at its core and is left louder, though not much further down the track. Although the EP is a great opportunity for Schatrax to reappear and “Det” could be stronger if blended with something more muscular, Daso and Pawas’ chemistry seems sedate this time around. Perhaps these well-traveled DJs need some shuteye.

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As a brief post-script I wanted to add that Daso’s “Pars Tensa,” the B side of his “Tinnitus” single for Connaisseur is a masterful blend of techno heartburn, the pleading strums of almost Flaminco flavored guitar strums/finger picking and a swinging house beat. In fact, James Kartsaklis selected it for his recently posted mix. Also, hello Pitchfork readers! Mr. Phil Sherburne offered some kind words for LWE in his Month in Techno column published today; coincidentally, we even share some subject matter. (post by Steve Mizek)