Citizen - Climax

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  • Laurence Blake, AKA Citizen, had a huge 2013. The London producer rode the '90s house revival just enough to draw in attention, while also distancing himself from the pack through the quality and breadth of influences in his releases. An EP on Kerri Chandler's MadTech label was richly deserved and a swift piece of wish-fulfillment for someone who until very recently had been making a living producing music videos rather than his own productions. This EP, for 2020 Vision, for whom he is also reportedly recording an album, suggests Blake is in for another stellar year. As with his releases in 2013, the influence of UK bass is one of the most apparent features, with opener "U Don't Know" anchored by fathoms-deep subs, as a classic cut-up vocal and a Hammond organ line dominate the foreground. "As One" rests on another echoing New Jersey house vocal, this time adding table tennis percussion, gorgeous pads and a gradually emerging sax line to a thick blanket of bass. On "Climax," Blake lathers hefty low-end onto a skeletal percussive framework and chiming synths to close out an assured and enjoyable package.
  • Tracklist
      A U Don't Know B1 As One B2 Climax
RA