- The title track on this release from Traum begins with a tight little rhythm before added bongo taps and more adjoining snares fill out the percussion. Soon after, an elastic metallic-synth feeling slightly abrasive in texture stretches the sound out and behind as delicate chords emerge, gradually lifting the mood of the whole piece. This duality between ersatz abrasion and melodic beauty seems to work well and seems to win out in the end through the usage of the soft, melodic strains. "Chives" is slightly reminiscent of some of Circulation's work and should appeal right across the board to tech house and progressive enthusiasts, alluding to both, and generally, to fans of deep electronic music. (7/10)
On the B-side, "Chop" ventures off the beaten track a little further with a more minimalistic approach. Small lapping noises make up the early part of this piece which trickle along while pads and the thinnest of snare flips attempt to substantiate things. A menacing air is cast over this scanty rhythm with the use of a stern, rolling, fraction of industrial sound. These elements recreate the uneasiness of being trapped in a mine shaft while someone above you drills for an air pocket as you struggle to breathe. Tempo-wise its a comfortable shuffle but the abstruse nature of this track may unsettle the faint-hearted - not entirely well-removed from the Villalobos material currently doing the rounds but perhaps even a little darker. Definitely a more experimental sound than on the A-side. (6/10)