BRAIDEN レコード& CD

Review: Refined selector and esteemed producer, Steve Braiden breaks out on his own with the Off Out label after some excellent releases for the likes of Rush Hour and Joy Orbison's now defunct Doldrums label. It's a good day when there is some new Braiden productions to soak up, and hopefully the establishment of Off Out will see them appear with more regularity in the future. As an opening statement, Apex Of The Sun's Way is a powerful one indeed! The title track is characterised by the sort of rhythmic poise we have come to expect from a Braiden production, with searing emotive textures rubbing up against some of the crispest drums heard this year. "Solar Poise" is equally memorable, with strange ghostly vocals trapped deep in the mix and an unpredictable synth careening around the channels.

Review: Braiden appearing on Rush Hour is possibly one of the least expected combinations to surface in recent times; more specifically Braiden appearing on any label is surprising, given how quiet the Londoner has been on the production front since gracing Joy Orbison's now defunct Doldrums imprint. A sideline in photography, a smattering of remixes and a prospering reputation as both a club and radio DJ (check his NTS show) means Braiden's been kept a busy boy, though this two track induction on Rush Hour demonstrates there's been loss in production verve. Lead track "Belfry Tower" seems built for submission pounding intent, rhythms gleefully bouncing off each other as a pressurised bassline puts the squeeze on the crunchy textures that attempt to implement some semblance of melody. "Paganini" introduces a whole different slant on Braiden's palette, commencing with a famous singer's ode to the Italian composer who lends his surname to the title which subtly drops into a killer house groove, all expertly layered drum patterns and wonderfully warm and bouncy bass lines complemented by some brilliant echoed usage of the vocal throughout.

Review: A long time coming, Braiden's debut release finally arrives on Doldrums and it's mark of just how accomplished "The Alps" is that the accompanying release of DLDRMS002 from Joy Orbison out this week in no way overshadows the track. "The Alps" is a sign of Doldrums realigning itself towards a proper house and techno sound - by the time the end arrives your senses have been treated to a deeply pressurised amalgamation of raw throbbing house rhythms and metallic UK funky patterns which presents itself as an auspicious debut for Braiden. Just as exciting is the accompanying remix from Kassem Mosse that nudges the track further towards permaretro surroundings, flipping a tinny jacking beat over Basic Channel style dubbed keys before opening out in glorious fashion into a hypnotic acid house pulse reminiscent of "Blackout" by Lil Louis. This twelve aligned with a recently announced remix for Jacques Greene's LuckMe release mark Braiden as one to watch next year.