Review: Tal Fussman, the Berlin-based DJ, producer and label owner, kicks off 2025 with a versatile offering on his Survival Tactics imprint, weaving together elements of classic Detroit house and New York garage with a contemporary flair. The EP's title track is a masterclass in understated dancefloor dynamics where dub chords tumble over a steady beat, a vocal sample adding a touch of soul before shimmering keys emerge to create a euphoric moment that harks back to the golden age of Kerri Chandler. Elisa Bee, hailing from Sardinia, delivers a remix that infuses the original with a playful energy, recalling the vibrant sounds of early Masters At Work with its swinging organic rhythms and resampled chords. The stripped-back vocal adds a layer of intrigue, showcasing Bee's ability to transform existing material into something fresh and exciting. KiNK, the Bulgarian maestro, takes things in a darker, more intense direction. His remix is a strobe-light inducing cut, complete with bubbling synths and rave-ready hoover sounds that offer ample attestation to his tried-and-tested production prowess. This approach echoes the harder, more industrial sounds of Tresor Records, a nod to KiNK's Berlin influences. With support from the likes of Honey Dijon, Ben Sims and Dave Clarke, this EP is sure to be a staple in more discerning record bags throughout the year.
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