The long established AUDIOTONIC label has served up a refreshing blend of modern house sounds until now, and continues in that form once more with a new two track EP from Moscow's S.K.A.M. The Gruuv and ALiVE Recordings man has been a shining light in the tech house scene since the 90s and these two new releases show he is as on form as ever.
Of the two originals, Force Majeure goes first and is a nerve-jangling wedge of low-slung deep house. Built on a snaking bassline, melodic ditties light up the whole arrangement as it wanders through a lonely nightscape in the dead of night. It's the sort of funky house number Hot Creations fans would lap up.
This is Better is another low-key slow burner with plenty of emphasis on a bouncy bassline. Key to making it stand out, though, are the twinkling melodies that lurk above, counteracting the menace down below with something of a celestial air.
Great production, fresh perspectives and a serious amount of dancefloor clout all mark this out as yet another feather in the bow of both AUDIOTONIC and S.K.A.M. himself.