Through the Fog is an apt title for this 12”. From the acid mists of the opener, Vertical67 leads the listener across six tracks with a sturdy beat acting as a guardrail. As you come out the other end, the mellow warmth of “Tykat” bids farewell to an EP that is as club ready as it is reflective.
A deep psychological journey into the machines
Versatile is one way to describe Thomas Pahl. Over the course of more than a decade, the German artist has released a treasure trove of music under a glut of aliases. It is arguably to his most recognized pseudonym that Pahl returns for his debut on Pulse Drift Recordings.
If you were hoping for a 12” of Summer cheer, think again. This is a deep psychological journey into the machines. A wall of kick-drums and bass stream forward on slick rails of 303 in “Fog Acid”, sweetened strings bringing balance to this bold piece. Melodies are played with on the EP, keys bending and sliding into oblong forms for the electro chills of “Drenched” before the dark and cerebral “Virtual Chain.” The flip is introduced by “Juno.” Machine rhythms dominate the track, slashing snares and burbling synth-lines, but it is a lilting understated melody that is the true star of the piece. Shadows loom larger in the moody “Flickering” before the close with, arguably, the brightest being left until last. “Tykat” is a playful creation. Rhythms are lively, skipping next a thick a low bassline, as smooth silken lines float to a dreamy end.
Through The Fog is an apt title for this 12”. From the acid mists of the opener, Vertical67 leads the listener across six tracks with a sturdy beat acting as a guardrail. As you come out the other end, the mellow warmth of “Tykat” bids farewell to an EP that is as club ready as it is reflective.
Through The Fog is available on Pulse Drift. [Website]
