Minimal / Tech House

Review: Ricardo Villalobos wasn't always the cult figure he is today. At the start of his career he was an underground producer still finding his feet and fomenting his own sound. It was in the first decade of his career that he cooked up this tune and had what is about as close as he will ever get to a techno anthem. 'Heike' rides on big drums with detuned synth lines layered up next to female vocal coos, pixelated synth modulations and prying bass. Its a mental workout as much as a physical one and still bags today, which his why it gets this reissue on Rawax alongside the Mood Mix on the flip which is more dubby and dialled back into to deeper beats.

Review: Originally released in 1998, the title track is a hypnotic, rolling groove that helped shape the genre's future, its deep, pulsating rhythm and intricate layering exemplify Villalobos' signature style, making it a crucial piece in minimal's evolution. The Mood Mix on the flip stretches 'Heike' into a 13-minute odyssey, pushing its elements further into hypnotic terrain. Subtle shifts in percussion and melody build an entrancing, underground energy, capturing the essence of late-90s minimalism. This version transforms the track into a slow-burning, immersive journey, reinforcing why it became a staple in underground sets. Both cuts highlight Villalobos' early genius, demonstrating his ability to craft intricate, groove-heavy compositions with an enduring appeal.