- The Mobilee folks certainly haven’t disappointed with the design skills on their Leena sublabel – it’s another great logo which hints at the parent with its circular theme but is sufficiently different to have its own identity. And more importantly with this, their second release following on from the slightly disappointing Holger Zilske debut, they look well on their way to establishing a similarly compelling sound for the label.
These two tracks from Poland’s Catz 'N Dogz, also known as 3 Channels, are lithe, athletic house cuts full of softness and warmth in the rhythm but built of springy and clean technoid sounds. What tech-house ought to sound like in other words.
The B-side, ‘Tribute to Kolkun’ is the standout with a sparkly arpeggiated intro that reminds me of ‘Plastik’ in the way it builds into an irresistibly pelvic groove. The whole track has a bright-eyed sense of wonder about it that is bound to capture the attention of dancers. The other tune, ‘Searching’, is more minimal and a little predictable with bouncy tech-house bass accompanied by sudden rushes of off-kilter noise. There’s a fantastically heavy breakdown but a disappointing and slightly cheesy neo-detroit synth lets it down when it kicks back in afterwards.
As an EP ‘Armadillo’ isn’t quite anthem material but will fit perfectly into many sets, and if this is going to be Leena’s future aesthetic many people are likely to be checking out their records on sight.
TracklistA Searching
B Tribute Kulfon