Sascha Dive - The Basic Collective EP (Part 2 of 3)

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  • This has been out for a little while, but since it has only just turned up locally, I thought I’d slip in a review in case anyone missed it. It’s the second, more muscular, EP in Sascha Dive’s Basic Collective trilogy, and although it’s not as sweet as some of Pt. 1 (a record deservedly caned by the likes of Sebo K and more), it still runs deep and has plenty to offer in Dive´s own Detroit/deep house style. Of the two sides, the second is probably the most like Pt. 1, possessing a certain inscrutable, floating seduction that made ‘Deep in Rhythm’ such a hit. By contrast, the ‘Deepest America’ versions work more by force, with both Dive’s original and Samuel Davis’s remix built with extra tight percussion, dark basses and little else. More pure drum workouts than textural or soul-influenced pieces, these are closer to pure club tracks than home listeners, and they’ll definitely sound better up loud where you can feel the force. Closing out side A, ‘Ltd 1’ is a short respite from the dancefloor with an undertow of buried vocals, but it feels more like an interlude than anything concrete. Flip over and ‘Bdown Variation’ is probably the track of the EP. Smooth and warm-blooded, it finds what the others are looking for in the midrange, feeling softened out and tamed by purring synth washes. Samuel Davis has another version of ´Deepest America´ on the B, which contrasts well: Still rich in percussion, it fills itself out with sleek layers of seashell ambience and more of a soul feel. Meanwhile, ´Ltd 2´ which closes the EP is miles away from ´Ltd 1´. In fact it’s miles away from all of the tracks. Danceable, if toned down, this has more of an electro and crystalline vibe than the bass-heavy tracks preceding it. Luminous stuff, and a nice way to end things off. Overall, an interesting EP that sounds like a producer probing the limits of his own sound in preparation for the future. Better when smoother, but nonetheless a good listen.
  • Tracklist
      A1 Deepest America A2 Deepest America (Samuel Davis Perc. Mix) A3 Ltd. 1 B1 Bdown Variation 3 B2 Deepest America (Samuel Davis Dark Groove Mix) B3 Ltd. 2
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