Kassem Mosse – Enoha review

It seems like every time Kassem Mosse puts out a record it contains a surprise. Just when fans of his Workshop releases thought that they had found the creator of the ultimate raw and creaky house groove, Mosse goes and releases wiry acid on Omar S FXHE imprint under his real name (Gunnar Wendel) or hooks up with Instra:mental’s Nonplus label to become the latest darling of UK bass. Unsurprisingly then, this latest release for the latter shows yet another side to the maverick German producer.

The title track is the most conventional arrangement here, its acid line droning over heavy claps and a tracky rhythm. “GS02″ shows a darker side to Mosse’s house work, its stripped back arrangement belching forth malevolent bass licks and eerie synth lines that mysteriously disappear as quickly as they appear, while ‘”Inswanna” comes across as a middle ground between his house and bass productions. A repetitive stab rides over a bassline that weaves its way in and out of stepping drums, creating one of the most haunting pieces Mosse has made to date. The real surprise however is left until last. “Sleepworking” is so unlike anything he has made that this writer had to double take. Essentially an electro track, the heavy, oppressive bass and shuffling 808s provide the basis for the kind of creeping, niggling acid line last heard on Wagon Christ’s Phat Lab Nightmare. Combined with a truly evil low end, it’s enough to make even more seasoned house fans shit their pants in excitement.

Richard Brophy