- The latest from Norman Cook's Southern Fried imprint is a split EP with two tracks by Hard Logic, a collaboration between Lawrie Dunster and Francesca Lombardo, and one from Dunster and Keith Tenniswood's Channel Xero project. Channel Xero's "Music Never Lets Me Down" is the EP's standout moment. A bruising, busy electro stormer, it weaves together a full-fat acid bassline with flashing synths and heavily distorted guest vocals from Lisa Thornton.
Though that's the track that sticks in the mind, Hard Logic's contributions are not without their charms. "Resonecho" mines noirish techno territory via a thick, humming bassline and fluttering effects, over which Lombardo eventually adds faintly diva-ish vocals. "Acid Conga" is true to its title. A combo of mesmeric bass and a conga drum loop make for a ritualistic foundation, which is overlaid with flashing tendrils of synth and Lombardo's twisted vocals. Both will fit readily into plenty of sets, even if they're not the most talked-about moments at the end of the night.
TracklistA1 Hard Logic - Resonecho
A2 Hard Logic - Acid Conga
B Channel Xero - Music Never Lets Me Down feat. Lisa Thornton