- Henrik Bergqvist's Renewal might be Aniara's most functional record yet, which will be welcome news for some. The Swedish label has long been an outpost for dreamy club music that's often covered in smoky haze. It's a great label in every respect, though DJs who like straightforward, drum-centric tunes may not have been keeping tabs on it.
Bergqvist bucks the trend on Renewal. His loopy three-tracker recalls the best things about the turn-of-the-century tech house you'll find dotted throughout his DJ sets. (Bergqvist is one of Stockholm's most dedicated DJs, just ask Abdulla Rashim.) "Renewal" and "Have A Nice Trip!" are low-slung and groovy, packing hyperactive basslines and crafty drums. The former is spacey, while the latter is the kind of dubby roller that's easy to imagine working wonders midway through a Zip set. "Sanctuary," on the other hand, is more in line with classic Aniara: piano stabs, a funky bassline and an earworm melody. If Wiggle, Surreal and Choke mean more to you than Smallville, Dial and Giegling, this EP is for you.
TracklistA1 Sanctuary
A2 Renewal
B1 Have A Nice Trip!