ROBERT DIETZ CHROME FAMAS EP (UK) LP VINYL NEW (US) 33RPM

The first of the material to come from Robert's new Berlin workspace, “Chrome/Famas” heads straight onto Steve Lawler’s VIVa MUSiC imprint. The 4 track EP is a no holds barred and energetic exploration of underground techno that comes with the kind of personality that has always marked Dietz out from the chasing pack. “Chrome” builds with a subtle power, patiently morphing into a driving techno beast. Eventually spilling over into a rich tapestry of rolling beats, fluid basslines, snapping rhythms and spacey melodics, the track becomes insatiably intoxicating. “Famas” keeps the same dark vibe, but injects a funkier edge courtesy of some highly addictive tribal-like percussion. The deep, rolling groove gives the track its swagger, just as the drums supply the intensity and forward momentum. It is devastatingly simple! On the flip come remixes of both tracks from Randall M and Fernando Costantini. First up American producer Randall M takes on “Famas,” turning it into the consummate 303 workout. It retains the personality of the original whilst exploring a new structure, giving it a more jacking attitude. Fernando Costantini’s interpretation of “Chrome” takes proceedings into very different territory, both sonically and aesthetically. There is a futuristic jazz feel colliding with driving tech house here, creating a sound that is at once unfamiliar and totally immersive.