- Theodor Zox is one of those producers that seems to be learning as he goes: the Dane is refining and developing his sound with each well-chosen release, and ‘Run Away’ – fitting quite comfortably into the likeable Trenton stable - is another step in the right direction. It's not going to blow your mind, but that's not the point, is it?
'Run Away' begins well with a clipped melodic synth riff and a fat house kick before a quick drop introduces the smorgasbord of elements that keep your feet tapping for seven minutes: a prodded bassline, breathy vocal, spiraling riffs and, of course, the requisite blips, bloops and bleeps. This melodic post-minimal houser swings along quite
nicely – thanks to the intermittent hi-hat action – and Zox has an ability to balance the various samples, stabs and FX that make up the core of the track without things sounding too cluttered, but it still lacks a certain something, a confidence and a clarity that could make it great. Less can be more.
Tucked away on the B-side, 'Question Suggestion' is the real gem: it's a subtle serving that follows a similar path to the a-side, but is better observed. The distinctive, nagging riff makes for tense beginning, shored up by a dry snare and housey bottom-end before Zox pulls it down a gear with late night chords and a more gentle approach to adding the all-important ingredients. The hyperactive 'System of Play' closes proceedings with a jolt, rocking the same sort of melodic/melancholic house, but with a rougher bassline and abrasive percussion.
TracklistA1 Run Away
A2 System of Play
B1 Question Suggestion