Finland-born and Berlin-based, Sasse [formerly known as Freetstyle Man] celebrated the first decade of his Moodmusic label last year and now strikes into its second with the follow-up to his debut album Made Within The Upper Stairs Of Heaven, which nodded heftily to Italo-disco. The tone here is more a delicious hybrid of old school Detroit and Chicago brushed with Berlin minimal inflections but, most crucially stuffed with the man’s own soul and emotions. Early tracks like ‘Berlin’, ‘Take Me To Bologne’ and ‘Friday Sessionz’ explore minimal territory with shimmering textures and electro flourishe. Things kick off with ‘Clemens’, prodded by hypnotic organ which injects house sensibilities, making for a certified floor destroyer. After the jazzy ‘Fly’, the set turns into deep house and techno heaven with warm pads and early 90s NYC flavours blessing outings like ”Poneloya’ and ‘Big’ while the melancholy ‘Break Up’ recalls the heart-tugging orchestral soul of Larry Heard. Well worth a paddle.
4 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Kris Needs
