Gavin Russom – Body Minimalism
If last year’s two releases on Entropy Trax represented a high point for US producer Gavin Russom’s love of melodies and spaced out disco, then this debut release on Belgian label Curle sees him show off a darker, more malevolent side to his palette. Yet despite this shift in sound, the same production principles remain and each track on Body Minimalism is a masterclass in crafting hypnotic dance floor grooves.
Unlike other house and techno producers, Russom’s approach to repetition is subtle and understated. It is most audible on “Trashing Truth”, where an acid-soaked bass, steely drums and percussive volleys underpin a gradual change from droning riffs to chiming bells and back again. Put it down to the sheer, insistent force of the backing track or his skilful arranging, but ““Trashing Truth”” glides from intensity to bliss without missing a beat.
“All Souls (NYC Mix)” is based on a similar premise: it begins with raw analogue stabs and a non-stop percussive accompaniment that eventually gives way to the waves of Dubby electronic effects and intense acid bleeping. These elements had been gathering under the arrangement’s surface and when they explode in a cacophony of electronic noise, the effect is mesmerising.
The main track on Minimalism is “Punisher”. Clocking in at just under a quarter of an hour, it bears the closest similarity to the Entropy Trax material. Like “Enthroned”, it too has dubbed out sound scapes that shimmer and trail off into the ether like chemical trails. However, as the track progresses it becomes impossible not to focus on the bass that runs through it. Tough and repetitive, robotic but fluid, its playfulness is encased in a metal shell. With such a forceful element at its centre, it’s no surprise that “Punisher” sounds like modern disco music realised with industrial precision.
Richard Brophy
Tracklisting:
A1. Punisher
B1. All Souls (NYC Mix)
B2. Thrashing Truth