Since 1993, Sam Paganini has released a refined brand of deep techno that’s won him support from the likes of Marco Carola, Timo Maas and Paco Osuna. Furthermore, his progressive techno offerings like ‘Zoe’ or harder efforts like ‘Strobe’ have also become chart topping fan favourites.As such, 2011 sees Plus 8 come calling for the revered Italian’s sounds.
Titular track ‘Cobra’ is firm but not without groove. Whilst whole eco-systems of background FX, percussive slithers and wave-breaking synths add depth, a hurried techno beat drives things forward and builds in pressure. It finally breaks, melting to nothing but the kicking bottom end once more: it’s techno perfection.’
‘Last Call’ proceeds at more of a canter, rising up and down as it rolls forwards. What sound like gale force winds howl in the background, darting in and out of the percussion, shifting your focus from here to there. It’s brooding but balanced and plays out like a nightmare walk through a chilly, eerie forest in the dead of night.
‘Phantom’ confirms Paganini to be a man of economical yet efficient means — on the face of it another stripped down and pulsating cut, listen closer to the seven-minute workout and there’s more abstract narratives hidden within the devilish background details. So, too, does this cut allow in more light than the rest when, late on, subtle rising chords inject some read hot warmth and a feel good undertones.
‘Primitives’ is just that — the most raw and untamed track of the EP for the way it loops wild drums and wily percussion into a manic tapestry of mind-melting repetition. Melody comes from a wind chime which dangles frantically in the midst of the rhythm sounds which stream past it on every side.
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Artist: Sam Paganini
Title: Cobra EP
Catalog#: PLUS8121
Label: PLUS 8 RECORDS
Distribution: Wordandsound, Beatport, m-nus.com
Barcode: 815349011293
Format: 12″, wav, mp3
Digital Release Date: October 5th, 2011
Physical Release Date: October 3rd, 2011
TRACKLISTING:
Vinyl
A1: Cobra
AA1: Last Call
AA2: Phantom
Digital
1. Cobra
2. Last Call
3. Phantom
4. Primitives
