Crystal Maze have adapted both techno and house, mixing the influences of Detroit into some of the more modern sounds of jak.
[Release page] Up till now techno has been the mainstay of aDepth Audio, a label investigating the influential sounds of Detroit and the UK. For its latest the dutch label has widened its vision and allowed elements of Chicago into the equation. A new duo are tackling a blend of techno and house, the twosome of G-String (of CBS and IFM fame) and MaSpaventi; better known as Crystal Maze.
The extended player opens with a self titled piece. The track feeds off modern house influences and classic techno tones. Raw pangs of condensed synth bleep are fed into a whirl of jak beats with islands of Detroit acting as the relief. “Motoneuron” is an earthy piece of techno. Chords judder whilst solid beats edge the needle over celestial synth lines. The flip-side sees Chicago Skyway, of M>O>S fame, called on for a remix of “Crystal Maze.” The original is pitched back, with the courser elements filleted to produce a deep piece of techno with Chitown echoes. “Two Worlds” leads out the procession, with the house atmospherics coming full circle. A dark and foreboding piece of modern Chicago to finish things off.
aDepth have, until now, focused primarily on techno; this recent flurry into house is not as much a break as it is a sidestep. Crystal Maze have adapted both techno and house, mixing the influences of Detroit into some of the more modern sounds of jak. Warm on some occasions, darker on others, Crystal Maze produce a debut that is clever and thought provoking. A 12” that sits well with classic and contemporary house tones alike.
Crystal Maze is out now on aDepth Audio. [Release page]
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