True the ferocity of past releases is present, caustic chords and raucous rhythms, but there’s also a hint of something less vicious. Tender moments, respites from the desolation, show another side to this Greek machinist and a different side to the Tar Hallow sound.
I’ve had the pleasure of covering DimDj’s growth. From Lower Parts, June and recently Endless Illusion, this Greek artist has impressed time and time again with his corrupted house compositions. His latest for TH ± Tar Hallow, eponymously titled DimDJ TH04, marks a shift in his previous sounds.
Hi-hats, claps, snares, toms and broken bars are poured onto the platter for this outing. “Computer Beats” is a strange hybrid of wave and house. Featuring Trenton chase, bitter acid lines, synth reverbs, clipped rhythms and hoarse vocals make up this cracking mutant. “Rats & Snakes Kill” is of a similarly spliced nature. Other pieces, like “PTN1” combine the essentials of Chicago; gritted teeth drum patterns and sweat. But then “The Pope” arrives. A totally different creature. Muscled percussion supported a techno physique in this meandering 90s throwback. “Erase the Time” is even more of an outsider, a relaxed and beautifully simple track of wavering ambience. If you’re worried about too much “niceness” entering, Kuno is on hand to allay those fears. Taking on “PTN1”, the Berceuse Heroique veteran rains down 303 squawk. Acrid bars and wrenched and dub soaked for a raw and relentless remake.
I mentioned a shift on this latest, and there is one. True the ferocity of past releases is present, caustic chords and raucous rhythms, but there’s also a hint of something less vicious. Tender moments, respites from the desolation, show another side to this Greek machinist and a different side to the Tar Hallow sound.
DimDJ TH04 is available on TH ± Tar Hallow.
