DVS1 – KW13

Label: KlockworksScore:  7.5/10

I’ve personally only ever seen American techno DJ and producer DVS1 play pretty tough techno sets, so I was pretty surprised at the sounds blissfully pouring into my ears when I started listening to ‘Black Russian.’ This track is decidedly housey, light as a feather and warms the soul. DVS1 likes to think of music as beats, emotions, textures and colours rather than genres. In that respect, this track is the equivalent of watching a beautiful sunset sky; shades of yellow, pink and oranges melting into each other and spreading out across the sky.

A favourite closing track for both DVS1 and Ben Klock, its dub techno-inspired piano chords repeat throughout, floating above padded kicks and moving hi- hats. Many a boring repetitive techno track exists in this world, where the same riff just goes on and on into infinity with nothing to really hold your attention. This track is not one of them –  The subtle levels and textures are executed perfectly. 

Back to the more expected DVS1 darkness on the B-side. ‘Creepin’ will no doubt grace a fair few sets as a nice little momentum builder. It’s got the blips and haunting atmosphere of some chin stroking greatness, driven along by shuffling high-end percussion that will get your feet stomping and ready for a lead into that next level of energy in the set.

Lovers of minimal techno will enjoy the well-crafted ‘Spying.’ Deep, dark pulsing beats adorned with light high-end melodic tones; there isn’t much more to it than that and a metallic snap – a great example of light verses dark and the art of “les s is more.”

Words: Abbi Barham