Born and raised in Geneva, Switzerland and a self proclaimed ‘Junglist’ since day one, it didn’t take long for Dser to find himself behind the decks and in the studio mixing and chopping up some his own breakbeat creations. After buying his first pair of decks in early 2000 he quickly became a resident at Geneva’s famed “Le Zoo” (L'Usine) club and became the driving force behind the regular “Back to Jungle” event series, hosting scene heavyweights like Dillinja, Fabio & Grooverider and Nicky Blackmarket.
But it wasn’t until 2019, when his slower paced, abstract break-driven side productions caught the attention of Swiss electronic label Diffract Records. The label was naturally attracted to this rought-cut and spontaneous sound and worked together with Dser to release his 6 track album ‘Arithmetic Progression’ which dropped just last month both digitally and on 12” vinyl.
Utilizing a variety of old-skool analog samplers and instruments, the album brings with it certain notes of nostalgia akin to early Bonobo, Ninjatune and Mowax productions. From the crunchy drums of the opening track ‘Earth from Space’ to the jungle jazz rhythms of ‘Rise Up’ the album serves as a diverse and varied breakbeat buffet destined to swoon even the most hardcore of amen addicts.
Grab Arithmetic Progression over on the Diffract Records Bandcamp and stay up to date with Dser below.
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Jakspin consults the heavens for new EP series 'Zodiax'
German producer Jakspin harnesses the power of the stars for the first of four EPs entitled ‘Zodiax’. The release series focuses on ancient knowledge presented through the 4 basic elements alongside traditional aspects of astrology. The first instalment of the series entitled ‘Zodiax I’ takes pisces, cancer, scorpio and their common element of water and boils them all down into easily digestible lofi landscapes.
Featuring not only a well-thought out cohesive concept but also some tightly-knit sonic terrain, ‘Zodiax I’ cruises through a series of 4 tracks, each with their own unique shimmer and shine. Water, being the unifying element, seems an appropriate opener to the album and serves as a firmly rooted beat amid layers of well-crafted distortion and melodies. ‘Pisces’ then continues the interstellar experience with a steady foundation of low frequencies set against a backdrop of bubbling aqua and gently placed textures. ‘Scorpio’ finally concludes the orbital journey with a thumping beat next to floaty xylophone notes tied together with an overall air of repose.
You don’t have to be an astrological expert to know that the future of this series brings nothing but solid listening and good vibes.
Check your horoscope with Jakspin:
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Bixi, Breathing Room and a Boatload of Bongos
Swiss producer ‘Bixi’ dips his toes into some uncharted waters with his new 5 track release: the ‘Aquarius EP’. A free spirited and eclectic tropical river cruise, full of lush synths, woody percussion and a hot, humid sound. It might seem strange to find such a sound coming from Switzerland being released on a Canadian imprint, both countries certainly not known for their beaches and piña coladas. But newly minted Canadian label ‘Breathing Room records’ seems to be just the right fit for the release, with it’s fresh discography already showing promise in the early stages.
The release plays like a steam-powered riverboat, steadily chugging through the dense jungle. With each bend of the river a new scene of lush greenery unfolds before the listener. The EP opens with the 6 minute, deep house tinged journey entitled ‘Aquarius’. It’s a great track to acclimatize the listener to the steamy sounds to come. While the B side takes a more funk heavy approach, with an infectious bassline leading the way through the tribal flutes and cascading hand drums of ‘Cosmic Water.’ Next is the explorative and earthy sounds of the track ‘Ryu Santos.’ The mysterious soundscape of animal calls, shakers and a finely plucked kalimba make for an unforgettable rainforest excursion.
Overall, a very fine addition to the Breathing Room Records discography from the imaginative swiss producer. A must have in the DJ crate of any percussion pundit or just about anyone who wants to take a quick journey downstream through the lush and layered bongo biosphere.
Grab the vinyl on Juno
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