- Following Rhythm Nation's second release, the Stead Fast EP by Tallmen 785, the label has tapped newcomer Kessel Vale. Considering that his only other record is a Tanstaafl Planets 12-inch from earlier this year, the Munich producer's gauzy, melodic techno feels highly accomplished. Plenty of ideas shoot around Blue Portrait, and its three tracks are distinct from each other. Only "Coil" immediately evokes comparisons: big, deliberate chord progressions call to mind Beaumont Hannant before a Life And Death-esque synth flourish takes centre stage.
The title track's loose hats and dusty pads give it a slight jazzy base, which is bolstered by restless drums and aquatic synths. It's not quite as assured as "Coil," but has a shifting, experimental quality of its own. "Velebit" ends the promising EP with a back-to-basics warehouse thump, before Vale's penchant for texture refocuses the track on woozy, interweaving melodies.
TracklistA1 Blue Portrait
A2 Coil
B1 Velebit