[Team Limited]

In its day, Kanzleramt was one the most reliably solid labels from Germany, not quite as big as Kompakt or BPitch Control, but nonetheless responsible for some incredible releases from a heavyweight roster of talent. Dutchman Peter Horrevorts was one of those talents whose releases on the label came at the height of its powers, combining the twin trademarks of Kanzleramt’s immaculate sound design and club appeal. His compatriot Ilker Soylu, better known as Philogresz, has been releasing since the late 00s, combining his love of house and techno with a hands-on approach to the music via his roles as label manager and A&R.

Return of the Titans on Soylu’s own Team Records sees the two producers share vinyl space, if not actual studio time, though their efforts on the limited-run disc distinctly complement each other. Horrevorts makes the most of the space afforded to him on the A-side of the disc by packing in an ideas-rich minimal techno track that clocks in at nearly 11 minutes. From its stuttering start filled with the sounds of cue-burns and sonic snags, “Shake Your Coconuts” builds slowly. Along the way it gathers a muddied, twisting synth line, accented, steely percussion hits, and slowly mutating chords that somehow tie all these elements together. Although its structure is essentially that of sonic sculpture rather than a track with a recognizable beginning, middle, and end, Horrevorts does what he does well.

For those looking for this classic approach to their tracks, Soylu provides over two cuts on the flipside. The minutiae of the percussion that creates a swinging, tribal groove on “Furthering” allows for space to flow around the melodic elements, which move at a comparatively sedate pace. Although the melodies themselves don’t always feel like they resolve themselves in the track, together with the percussion they create a solid impact and good dance floor momentum. The tempo drops slightly on “Don’t Touch My Tearing Synth,” though through this the intensity of Solyu’s tearing synth lines are intensified. In fact, by stripping away the layers of sonic shrapnel that populate the other two tracks, a clear, engaging rhythm formulates. The rugged, burnished chords that drive the track are constant throughout, while a fragile, highly strung synth sound breaks up the menacing overtones. While all three tracks engage, the first two do so mainly through the head and the feet, while “Don’t Touch My Tearing Synth” gets you all over.