Now onto their third physical release, it feels like Aussie label Haul Music have really hit their stride. The last one was a dub spectacular, with Craig McWhinney remixed by Echologist and cv313. This time it's Kirk Degiorgio working over a Christian Vance original. "Step 3000," it's titled; a reference to Melbourne's postcode. Both of Vance's versions are heavily concerned with rhythm, laying down strong techno skeletons early on and thudding away resolutely until they start to make an impact. In the original, misted chords edge their way upwards over the duration, culminating in an ethereal break. The top end is nicely detailed, sporting powder puff hi-hats and a barely noticeable chain of bleeps strung out like balloons in the sky.
The "Brick Veneer" dub is bolder. Using the same pleasingly hollow kicks, it adds in quiet cicada calls and the steamiest of basslines, resulting in a much sexier strut than the mechanised original. Degiorgio's remix is different again, pulling a mass of colourful melodies from the ether. From the start, a squelching bass arp pushes things forward. Later, it's joined by a lighter convulsing synth and Vance's original drawling chords. This version is anthemic in a way that the other two can't manage, which is probably the biggest strength of Step 3000. All three tracks are markedly different, but each has its own charm and distinct sense of purpose.
Buy Christian Vance - Step 3000 at
Tracklist: Christian Vance - Step 3000
 A Step 3000
B1 Step 3000 (Kirk Degiorgio Remix)
B2 Step 3000 (Brick Veneer Dub)
| 
