DSC - The Furnace

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  • DSC, the new alias of the London-based producer Liam Wachs, is nominally a continuation of his last project, Desert Sound Colony, but musically they're worlds apart. Originally a solo venture that evolved into a live trio, Desert Sound Colony made slow, poppy house in the Bob Moses mould. (They supported the Canadian duo on tour in 2015.) DSC, on the other hand, is energetic club music, a bass-heavy blend of deep house, techno and breaks with a melodic flourish. Holding Hands 002, the second release on Wachs' dance floor-focussed label, pulls together two lively cuts in this style. Wachs used to make dubstep, and you can hear the sound's influence in "The Furnace"'s sparse and moody intro. He says, though, that the track's main inspiration was a Nicolas Lutz warm-up set at fabric in 2015. This comes through in the dynamic breakbeats and heavy low-end, while a persistent three-note synth line slowly turns up the intensity. It all comes to a head with only 90 seconds to go, when, after a 32-bar breakdown, some neat filter trickery sends the synths lassoing round the kicks. I've never heard a drop like it, which suggests it'll send dance floors wild. "The Sorcerer," a collaboration with the little-known producer Guava, is more of a roller, with live percussion and a snaking hum contributing to a nice, earthy swing. But if that makes it sound like yet another slice of summery house then think again—random bursts of spiralling squeals give it a freaky edge.
  • Tracklist
      A The Furnace B The Sorcerer feat. Guava
RA