Duncan Thomas on ‘The Check In 006’: “It’s just a straight up groove.”

Maximal quotes from the minimal man

Duncan Thomas is a producer, esteemed live performer, a trained engineer and vinyl digger – as well as being a key member of London’s minimal/tech house scene.

Thomas has just dropped the sixth in his own label The Check In’s series of EPs, after featuring productions, after featuring on Animal Crossing, HOWL records, Circa Groove, Deux Mesures and Router.

Each track in the EP, Duncan says, lends a different insight into what styles have inspired his sound. “If none of them can get you moving I’ll get myself back in that studio,” he jokes.

“The A1. ‘Espresso Tonic’ is the leading track and perhaps the most suitable during peak time. The drums are heavy, driving and punchy, and the track is led from the low end which bodes well in the club. Atmosphere builds throughout to create anticipation and space for the main chord progression which brings out the soul in the track and allows for a transcendental lift on the dancefloor.

The A2. ‘Movin’ To The Sound’ brings the funk and the squiggle to the EP, with its solo-esk synth lines and cheeky vocal hook. To me this track is super playable, as what you hear is what you get, it’s not hugely thought provoking it’s just a straight up groove. 

“The B-side gets quite interesting in terms of sound design with the heavy leads in ‘See You Never’, sounding like lasers or strobes. It makes the track feel like it would suit the woods at a festival with the gated synth being the robotic voice coming from the trees. The EP is rounded off with the track ‘Hello Out There’, perhaps my personal favourite.

“This track is built around samples from an old BB King record, which you can hear in the vocal sample and the main chords which have been repurposed and transposed. It brings the nostalgia for me and feels warm and cosy, great for the end of a set or a sun rise situation. I was listening to the track ‘Stoned’ by Rockers Hifi, the Manali Cream Remix at the time which inspired me emotionally and very literally as well if you listen to the nature of the chords.”

Pre-order your 12″ vinyl copy of ‘The Check In 006’ EP by clicking here