- A new take on Frankfurt school minimal.
- Since he put out his first 12-inch as Gene On Earth in 2017, the American producer has created a mini-universe of genres and associates. Sonically, '90s tech house is the primary reference, but he transcends Wiggle nostalgia with polished synths and elastic basslines. His world not only has its own aesthetic but also a unique vocabulary (check any SoundCloud mix from the likes of Gene or his affiliates and you'll see that the masses have adopted his term "nugget" to describe a particularly moreish track). His latest protege is Reflex Blue, who steps up with four tracks for Gene's Limousine Dream label.
Reflex Blue has put out some progressive-leaning tunes on the likes of R.A.N.D. Muzik, but here he locks into a more insular groove. All four tracks on Fantasy Value are leaner and tougher than any of the previous releases on Limousine Dream. The A-side has classic tech house swing, but the basslines don't bounce as much as they shoulder-check their way past you. The best tune, though, brushes aside the '90s for the early '00s. "Fantasy Value" updates vintage minimal, with a Riccardo-style drum loop laid over sub pulses, while indecipherable vocals chirp at random intervals. Squeaky and sparse with clever sound design, this is the sort of thing you want to get lost in on a Sunday afternoon somewhere sunny.