Premiere: Elias. (DE) - Involved (Platform 22 - PLTM009)

Producer: Elias. (DE) Release: PLTM009 Label: Platform 22 There's something infectious about pacey, grooving dub techno. Beats of this flavour soothe the soul without sacrificing crowd energy. They act as a breath of crisp ocean air - a palate cleanser in a well-balanced DJ set. Enter Elias (DE). The Berlin-based artist seamlessly mixes 90’s influences into a cohesive and contemporary whole. The result is energetic dub techno with a harder edge. To my ears, it’s as if Basic Channel and Truncate had a sonic lovechild, hellbent on making you dance. Elias' latest tracks are being released on Platform 22. The UK label's 9th offering features two tracks from the Berliner himself, along with Kaan Pirecioglu, also from the German capital. The beat in question here is Involved. Low-end groove and rhythm is key to Elias’ track, tapping into the body's inherent tendency to dance without hesitation. Groove is to techno as water is to humans - essential and required in perpetuity. The track starts with a thick yet clean kick - full of body, but tastefully mixed. It adds emphasis to other core elements. Dubby chord stabs, the track’s fundamental backbone, echo through the sound space. They provide sprightly progressive energy as the tension builds. The first breathing point comes in around 1:53 mins. The track clears unearthing a vocal choir sound that lifts you upon the crest of a euphoric wave. From here, Involved continues to mount tension. Crispy claps and ride cymbals build energy further until 4:15, where you’re released into stripped-back elation. One of the strongest sounds offered by Involved is the subtle breathing sound, first heard as the track begins. It ebbs and flows around your ears as the track progresses, adding a lovely aural texture and ethereal finish to the mix. The split EP, titled Step-Signals, is set for release on 17th July 2020. You’ll be able to grab a copy at Platform 22’s Bandcamp page. bomphcast.com