[Wax]

Although René Pawlowitz may bristle at this broad distinction, it seems his series of Wax releases has become his clearing house for all things swinging and Chicago-influenced. No.30003, which reached store shelves in April, continues in this vein by drawing upon the same raft of tones and textures while taking special care to fit the grip of DJs first and foremost. Like its predecessors, side A borrows dub techno’s supple synth sounds to create a soft melodic canopy over rippling toms, swinging hi-hats and resounding claps (not to mention the “Nude Photo”-like spinbacks). It’s almost like a more accessible and direct rendition of his 2009 near classic, “No.20002-B.”

Side B offers a meditative tone and is even deeper in the pocket of dub techno sonorities. Blocky, metallic chord stabs kick up dust with their impact, leaving slender drum programming to finish connecting the dots. But the track only fully shines when heard booming from a club rig, its incredibly low bass rubs roaring much more perceptibly than when heard on headphones. What’s most surprising, though, about No.30003 is how safe it all feels. Cut from the same cloth as antecedent Wax singles but woven into more functional patterns, it lacks the revelatory edge which make so many of Pawlowitz’s releases must-own items. Some of this is undoubtedly because the strength of his previous work sets up high expectations that less ambitious new tunes struggle to clear. But while formidably made and perfectly suited for today’s DJs, No.30003 lacks the fire in its belly that would put it in league with No.10001 or No.20002. All that said, those who cherish the sound he’s cultivated as Wax will likely be happy with another serving. And critical claims aside, I must admit I look forward to working these sides into my own mix sets this summer.