- With each successive release, Sweden's Sam Forsberg shows himself to be an adventurous producer whose wide-ranging tastes are matched by his willingness to collaborate with an international cadre of producers. He worked with Max Stenerudh as KWC 92 and on a recent album for Snaker, and paired with China's Tzusing on the juicy "Hollabackboi." He now partners with Takenori Goto from Tokyo's Cos/Mes.
At first, the pounding kick and closed hi-hat of "Some Song Teachers" scans as the most straight-ahead, club-friendly track from either producer in a while. But a bubbling synth figure slowly moves up, a muffled drum tumbles in the background, and dubbed-out elements slide across the streamlined track. Just enough wooziness and texture is added to the pounding rhythm. "Dilemma," the squishy, ebullient B-side, edges "Teachers" out as the highlight. It also boasts a meaty kick, but even as video-game gurgle intensifies the thump, 5ive & Samo DJ keep things balanced. They sprinkle in a chopped xylophone sample and shimmering electric piano. Rather than making the melody heed the beat, they let it meander across the track, giving it just enough light.
TracklistA Some Song Teachers
B Dilemma