Efdemin – Chicago review

Dial records is really on a roll these days. After recently releasing a beautiful album by Pawel and their remarkable 10 year anniversary compilation, Dial comes back at us with the long awaited second album from Efdemin, Chicago. Berlin-based Efdemin (aka Phillip Sollmann) has been associated with the Hamburg-founded label since its inception a decade ago. His self-titled debut in 2007 was a stunning affair that resonated deeply with both the house and techno communities. After three years and several singles in between, Efdemin has finally graced us once again with nine new soul-striking tracks that combine the beauty and deepness we have come to associate with Efdemin’s production.

“Cowbell” starts things off with a vocal snippet, warbled organs and slow drum rolls as a prelude to “Shoeshine” which kicks things into higher gear with its tough drums and precise high-hats. All tracks seamlessly flow into each other, a concept many artists tend to overlook when making a full length album.  This overall sense of flow makes it pleasure to listen to uninterrupted in order.  Instead of finely balancing the line between house and techno, Chicago has more of a jazz-induced feeling to it- which is not to say that it’s light or too refined, but rather more intriguing and textured than your standard fare of straight up deep house or deep techno.

“Night Train,” “Le Grand Voyage” and “Round Here” are three tracks fans familiar with Efdemin’s first album will certainly find their groove in.  Another highlight has to be the schaffel, swing beats of “Oh My God” complete with horns and organs interspersed with dripping percussive sounds that perfectly fall into the grooves of the beat.  Efdemin has definitely taken a leap forward with Chicago.

Review: Steve Phillips