Of all the Diynamic crew, it’s safe to say that Adriatique aren’t the most prolific. Preferring instead to follow a slow and steady approach, it’s nonetheless a way of working that’s paid numerous dividends to date. On their latest, they remind us just why they spend so long crafting the goods, as they introduce us to the Rollox EP, a release that reminds us just why they’re getting a name as a force to be reckoned with in the house music world.
And while it’s hard to pick a favourite here, it’s hard to argue against the merits of the title track. Dark, sticky and humid, it veers uncontrollably towards unlikely sound planes, all the time taking us on a journey that’s fraught with tense vibes and ominous moments aplenty. ”Numb” is exactly the sort of downtrodden and beaten up track you’d expect from its title. Layers and layers abound, but it’s the duo’s liking for a melodic synth that helps the fire get lit here. By the tracks end, we’re still left with plenty to consider – always a good thing in a game where too many producers all too often play it too safe.
Concluding track ”Ion” is another momentous affair that gets under the skin, and if that was Adriatique’s intention all along, then it’s very much a case of hats off to the Swiss duo.
4 out of 5
Reviewed by Ian Fleming
{http://soundcloud.com/adriatique/adriatique-numb}
