Agaric & Walker ‘Chase’s Dream’

Agaric & Walker / Chase’s Dream

Vinyl / Digital

Dumb Unit / Release May 9th 2011

 

What does it sound like?

Those in tune with Agaric’s recent album, Who Made Up The Rules, should know what to expect. Only in the title track here things take on more of a melodious, big room vibe, partnering up with Walker and Dumb Unit as the latter marks its 10th Anniversary as an imprint.

A suitable cause for celebration, and the subtly uplifting eponymous piece on this EP does the job nicely. Opening with a playful barritone and descending atmospherics capped by sharp hi-hats it could go either way, but the pair refreshingly opt for the ‘moderately uplifting’ route. And a successful venture it is too, coming as close to hands in the air as anything low-slung tech house can, not least because of the chime hook and subtly commanding organ stab.

In contrast Coconut Cartel is a solid, rolling outing that’s all about bass and drums, adding slight effects to give an air of depth to an otherwise stomping number. And then there’s Stone Hengela, a more strolling affair of faded piano chords, tracking percussion, locked horns, barely audible vocal loops and jazz keyboard accents, all of which make it difficult to ignore the warmth emitting from your speakers.

Where would I dance to it?

Considering its position on the four four fence this release comes with guaranteed widespread appeal, so long as the audience has a penchant for the darker end of deep.

What highlights can I expect to hear?

Closing track Coconut Cartel is a classic example of a sound that people seem to find very difficult to produce nowadays, and nods back to labels like The End with its stripped but funky, determined style made possible largely thanks to the solid low levels. Chase’s Dream is also a quality track, but then when Stone Hengela finally gets going in full effect it probably steals the show by turning classic cuts and samples into something new but not inaccessible to ageing ears.

Why should I pay for it?

If you’re looking for vinyl then it’s inevitable.

Where can I buy it?

Juno, Chemical Records.


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