- Daniel Paul Behnemann and Jens "Zky" Augustowsky, also known as Cab Drivers, established Cabinet Records in 1994. Over the following decade, they assembled a formidable catalogue of sparse and savvy tech house with plenty of earworm melodies and sharp rhythms. After a dormant period in the latter half of the '00s, Cabinet returned in 2011 with a flurry of singles from the founders and their old cohort Honesty. This latest release comes from Zky, who offers up three no-nonsense tools.
With its careful use of samples and a curiously upbeat mood, "Groove Tool" remains faithful to the tried-and-tested Cabinet formula. Augustowksy's knack for drum programming makes for a spirited six minutes, full of percussive quirks that could make the track a tonic for a flagging dance floor. In contrast, the plodding beats and plastic chords on "Story Tool" feel somewhat timid: it's amiable enough, but there's little you can truly lose yourself in. "Bassline Tool," a fiercely functional club weapon, rounds out the EP. Once again, Augustowsky mines the sound palette of his older material to great effect, employing a subtle acid line that snakes between the cast iron 909 hi-hats. It doesn't really do much else, but that's the point. This is gleefully utilitarian dance music.
TracklistA1 Groove Tool
B1 Story Tool
B2 Bassline Tool