- Paul Rose really is the man of the moment. He produced one of the biggest tracks of the year in "Loss," mixed a DJ Kicks compilation to match, and somehow overcame the trance taboo with "Adrenalin." Then there's his Berghain residency and his renowned Hotflush Recordings. Are you tired of hearing these facts yet? I'm approaching that point. Thankfully, the Brit's impeccable productions have infinitely more replay value.
Assuming his techno guise once again, Rose gets this release with the stomping "Overlay." It's actually kind of disappointing, at least when placed alongside his previous work. Water-spray hi-hats, a shaker and metallic jingles combine for an impelling rhythm section. This basic substrate is solid, but on the whole, it doesn't really go anywhere. Instead, the rapid-jabbing synth-work marches on the spot and the layers seem to interfere with each other more than they complement.
On the flip side, "Mace" is cleaner. Using a similar bass timbre to those found in "Loss" and "Adrenalin," it nonetheless moves forward a lot more cautiously. Taut stabs build and break the first three quarters of the song. The piece de resistance, however, is the whirling acid line which is introduced towards the finish. It's had all the usual 303 liquid wrung out of it, leaving just a damp, centrifugal motion to spin us towards home. Add this one to the growing list of hackneyed (but totally valid) remarks about Paul Rose's career.
Tracklist A Mace
AA Overlay