- Casablanca's finest goes large.
- "Human Condition," the A1 from Youssef Benjelloun's newest EP as Kosh, starts off innocuous enough. Skittering snares, undulating pads—it's the Casablanca producer's trademark. Then comes bursting in a synth that sounds like someone installed an F1 motor into a cozy coupe. At first, the synth revs sound too big for the track, but then he unleashes an absolutely gargantuan breakbeat and bass wobbles that sound like they meandered in from a Benga Ableton session. It's Kosh's boldest track to date, pushing aside his usually understated take on Detroit electro and techno for something the Pangbourne House Mafia might drop during their next Times Square appearance.
You also need to strap yourself in for "Come On." Somewhere between hip-house and electro, Benjelloun throws the kitchen sink at the DAW grid: rave chords, a chanting vocal refrain, sirens, vinyl spin backs and a Guitar Hero worthy 303 solo. Things are only slightly less outrageous on "The Zinger," where he reimagines peak-era Todd Terrje vibes as afterhours breakbeat. It's only on the title track that he lets his foot off on the gas. "The Chopper" is like the MTV Unplugged version of "Human Condition," locking into an understated groove with muted melancholic melodies shimmering across the top.
In the past year and change, Benjelloun has dialed back his touring schedule substantially. He still turns out a steady stream of releases on both his own Convergence label and his spiritual home, Casa Voyager, but The Chopper feels like something different, somewhere between L.L. Cool J's "Don't call it a comeback" and Gerard Butler in 300. By the sound of things, I'd say Benjelloun has spent enough time playing the tasteful side stage or boat party. Time to get this man front row center.
Tracklist01. Human Condition
02. The Chopper
03. Come On
04. The Zinger