It was never too clear what Bay of Cadiz was going to be about. There was a chance of 303 bedlam, a chance of house pastiche. Instead Moss Acid delivers a measured and modern sound using the vintage acid box. There’s a definite slice of AFX to the sound.
It seems that wherever you turn these days there’s a 303. The second coming of the Windy City sound has doled out a feast for the acid enthusiast. The infamous Roland box was never just reserved for house, with techno employing its squalid liquid sounds for years. One label hooked on the machine, and its sound, is the eponymous 030303. The acid addicted imprint returns with Chris Moss Acid of Mathematics fame. Mr Moss Acid has been dishing up a myriad of digital tracks, but comes back to vinyl for Bay of Cadiz.
The title track opens. If you were expecting a floor punch, think again. “Bay of Cadiz” is considered and soulful introduction of lengthy proportions. Moments of Chicago and Detroit are present, but the track comes to you from a Rephlex tradition, specifically the Analord material. Measured and rich, an epic work of 101s, 303s and 707 beats. The flip sees a triumvirate start with “Lynchett Matravers.” Bass and claps are out in force for this rumbling acid menace; the stomper of the EP. “The Big Freeze” draws back the terror, leading the listener into a warm restful place of gently tweaked electronics. The finale, “The Rhythm,” returns the intensity. A lumbering and powerful bass runs alongside solid beats with a shimmering backdrop. A cracker to end on.
It was never too clear what Bay of Cadiz was going to be about. There was a chance of 303 bedlam, a chance of house pastiche. Instead Moss Acid delivers a measured and modern sound using the vintage acid box. There’s a definite slice of AFX to the sound. For a more contemporary comparison you might turn to fellow 030303er EOD or Lunar Disko’s Automatic Tasty. Whatever way you look at it, Bay of Cadiz is a clever and cerebral EP from an artist who will hopefully find his way onto more vinyl. A quality return to the preferred format.
Bay of Cadiz is available on 030303. Buy at iTunes, Amazon, Juno or Clone.
