Tessellate

Review: Tessellate are back for their sixth release, with another one by France's Xavier Dusclaux AKA Armless Kid. After a number of impressive outings on the likes of Rekids, Let's Play House and Traxx Underground, Dusclaux turns to the London based label with three riveting tracks for any dancefloor occasion. From the hi-tech soul of "Drop Down" and it's honorable nod to the Detroit sound (not to mention an evocative rework by hot duo Opal Sunn) to the swing-fuelled tech house hypnotism of "Category" (featuring MJOG) and the sensual late night deepness of "Les Bo Jours" (Wonky Funky) - this certainly is one well rounded EP by an ascendant producer.

Review: London label Tessellate has long been a reliable source of garage-influenced tech-house fare, with their compilation style Teamwork EPs fast becoming essential purchases. There are fewer UKG references on the series' latest instalment, but the "late '90s London tech-house goes 2021" vibe throughout is equally as alluring. Local dub sets the tone via the spacey-but-funky-and-melodies flex of 'Rhythm Check', before Occibel reaches for tuneful TB-303 riffs, metallic electronics and chunky, undulating grooves ('Cosmic Disorder'). Karaba's flipside opening 'Paradiso' is a swinging, suitably intergalactic affair, while Duowe's 'Hallucinogenics' brilliantly joins the dots between ambient techno, bleep and smooth, tactile tech-house.