(03.10.07) Opiate, Dub Tractor and Acustic have all released respectable albums, but I’ve always been most impressed by their work together. It has been 5 years since Pole’s label, ~scape, released the Danish trio’s self-titled first album under the name System. That CD was stylistically very much of its time – sparse and bright digital dub, with tiny skittering and echoing percussion that acted more as a kind of filigree than as a core element. Regardless of whether it stood out particularly from other artists bringing dub to the clicks and cuts wave, the quality of the music was exceptional and I’ve found myself returning to it on many occasions.
I can’t shake the suspicion that all 4 tracks on this new System 12″ are re-workings of tunes from their debut, but it’s by no means just re-hashing familiar territory. Stylistically they’ve moved on quite a bit, but in a way they just seem to keeping in (dub) step with the zeitgeist. Crusted, lo-fi drum sounds are assembled into garage-inflected beats front and centre in the mix, and distorted bass sounds complement the impossibly deep sub-bass hum found on the debut. The echo-saturated chords are still present, but they are often dissected or pulled back so that the rhythm section can drive the tracks forward.
My favourite track is “Rumpstep,” which is also most indisputably a remix, clearly containing the melodica-style melody and synth chords from “Red Click” off System’s debut. The good times flow as the tranquillity of the original is torn apart in favour of a much more lively and edgy feel. Slices from the effects-drenched original are piled up in layers on top of distorted bass and upfront beats.
Tempo is a very worthwhile EP and it’s a pleasant surprise for me that the 3 members of System are still capable of coming together and producing something that is both fresh and cohesive.
Tempo is out now on Rump.
