US label Saturn Drive Records continue their star bound quest with another action packed EP. From the studio of Greek artist Santon comes the “Only a Test“ EP and with it comes gem remixes from DDALMH and label head Alain de Saracho.
Leading from the top and title track from Santon’s EP, “Only a Test” in its original form fuses dubby elements to a thudding house groove. With the help of a 303, the stripped back rhythms house sections from one of the most influential vocals in electronic music. Our pick from the EP is the version coming courtesy of label boss Alain de Saracho and taking the themes of the original further, he ramps up the energy levels considerably. Dialing up the BPMs somewhat, he moves the track from a deep groover to more peaktime territory. Still retaining the deep charisma of the original he bends and molds the narrative to suit bigger dancefloors.
“Wanna Know” is a much meaner beast than previous and a firmer groove at play here, the sound palette returns throughout the EP. Echoed vocals ring through as do acid bass tones and dubbier elements. Next is “Leqi” and this time a more classic minimal house of old tracks with repeated acidic stabs and trippy vocals featuring heavily.
Completing the release is “Purple” and the original is a much more upbeat affair while still in keeping with the established sound of the EP. The 2000s minimal and tech house sound must have left a lasting impression on Santon as the sound is faithfully reinterpreted here. Winding down for the last track of the release is DDALMH’s remix of “Purple” and the shift in BPM is refreshing and takes you off guard. Forlorn pads are met with flutters of congas and undulating basslines giving the release a soft landing.
You can get your hands on SDR012 via Bandcamp.
More info on Santon
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More info on Alain de Saracho
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More info on Saturn Drive Records
Instagram | Facebook | RA | SoundCloud
