Braiden – The Alps 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 – released in the same week – in no way overshadows the track. Indelibly shrouded with keen anticipation since Braiden debuted the track on his summer mix for Mary Anne Hobbs, it marks another reason to be more than a bit jealous of someone who is already an accomplished photographer, DJ and presenter for Rinse FM.

In syncopation with the aforementioned twelve inch from Orbison, “The Alps” is Doldrums realigning themselves 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” from Lil Louis. This twelve aligned with a recently announced remix for Jacques Greene’s LuckyMe release mark Braiden as one to watch next year.

Tony Poland