UK veteran Dexter releases his first vinyl since 2006 for Real Deal Records. Tapping into his decade spanning vaults, three unreleased tech-house cuts recorded back in the early 2000s form the EP.
Continuing their prolific quest for old, tastemaking DAT tapes from the genre’s golden era, the UK label ran by Marlon Clark and Jake Hodgkinson deliver another unique package in the Reload EP. Dexter aka Mat Royall’s work has been pivotal in shaping the tech-house movement. Working closely with the pioneering Wiggle and Beat Code labels, his slick, playful club music saw prolific output during the early noughties.
‘Gotcha’ brings the cheek in the A1, flirting sexy vocal blips over a teasing sub bass gasping for a crisp sound system. Clever breakbeats add a refreshing depth to the groove, complimented by lean hi-hats and subtle percussions.
Ideas are consistently crafty and intricate across the release, testament to the raw, hedonistic energy of this era. After two decades since the tracks were produced, sounds remain fresh and authentic, evidencing the amount of timeless music produced during this period.
Merging the slick and seductive worlds of house, garage, techno and beyond, this record is sure to be in the bags of many cross-scene selectors. Stripped back, no-frills grooves that get the floor moving and continue to inspire many new productions today.
Sounds are agile and quirky throughout the EP, capturing an infectious sensual energy through neat and snappy percussions, whilst exploring menacing, acid tinged moods overhead. ‘Witcha’ meanders through the more pensive end of the palate.
Driven by stripped back, snappy drums loading the track with bounce, this pacey journey ramps through a plethora of feelings in the eight minute trip. Shades of trance trickle into the mix, slipping trippy acid lines over garagey percussions and enticing chords flirting in and out of the mix.
Stretching out over subtle breakdowns and neat hi-hat changes, this pumping, genre-defying cut unfolds with a satisfying ease. Working in whispery vocals and the occasion lush synth injecting waves of nostalgia, Dexter’s spirited workout is a sleazy weapon.
Listen back to previous releases from the label featuring scene greats Andy Panyani and Adam Collins.
Buy the record from the label’s Bandcamp.
More info on Dexter
Website | Discogs
More info on Real Deal Records
Facebook | Soundcloud | Bandcamp | Discogs
