Stefan Z, a Canadian producer in the process of moving to London, is next up on the Subjekt Recordings label with three brand new original tunes. This is only the labels third release, but the success of them so far, including the last one from Atapy & Tim Paris, really has put the thing on the map. Stefan has previously released on labels like My Favorite Robot and has recently signed to the Jackmode Agency but this might be his best work yet. Up first is Aggression, a steely, synth heavy track that sets a nice late night mood. It has meandering lines, gurgling bass and crisp, icy hi hats all making for a desolate urban vibe. Following that we get treated to Blu, a more edgy cut with arpeggiated, mysterious melodies stepping up through the mix as little droplets fall down in the opposite direction. Some dark vocal add a sense of pain to the eerie track and then it’s on to Kneedle. This last one might be the best of the lot – it’s still made from a steely pallette of metal sound, but crafts a really unsettling, deserted inner city vibe. The slapping drums drive things along, proggy synths are laden with emotion and the sensitive piano notes really linger long in the air. A fine EP.
4 out of 5
Reviewed by Ian Fleming
{http://soundcloud.com/subjekt-recordings/sets/stefan-z-blu-ep}
