Label du jour Oslo Records have sneaked their way into just about everyone's box in the last twelve to eighteen months, as well as appearing on just about every mix CD around. Federico Molinari, Johnny D et al have created a warm bubbly rolling house sound that has found fans just about everywhere. Yet anyone who has heard Johnny D's live sets sometimes feel that things are getting a bit, well, samey over at OsloTowers. The talented Christian Burkhardt has rocked up with a mixed EP here which shows glimpses of real quality and puts at least some of these doubts to bed.
Contemporary Box
is stompy bit of techno, the uncompromising, thuddy bass line giving you a good hiding. A sinister noise similar to a load of metal bins being chucked down some stairs and an irregular distorted, short and nasty vocal means that Mr Burkhardt definitely had his dark hat on in the studio for this one. It doesn't really go anywhere in particular, which is a shame, but the addition of some sublime sub-bass does give Contemporary Box some depth and character.
Maison Noire
is straight out of Oslo territory and positively sings the gorgeous melodic tech house reminiscent of the label's seminal releases of Riddim Mood and Orbital Life. It's sexy, subtle chords, cheeky bongos and whispy, fast hi-hat blend together beautifully. The breakdowns are short and regular and different in character, not giving you too much time to contemplate what's going on before your thrown into the mixer again. It is far cleverer than Contemporary Box. It's hip-shakingly yummy tech house. Phey Boom is a real let down, a thuddy, monotonous tune that is easily forgotten.
So, a slightly frustrating EP, saved by the exquisite Maison Noire.