- I don't have a clue what number "wave" we're at as far at Detroit producers go, but Patrice Scott and his Sistrum label are at the forefront of the current tide that's washing up on foreign shores. They're still fairly young, with only six releases under their belt, but the consistency of the imprint has been staggering up to this point: From the strung out rumblings of "Raw Fusion" to the richly melodic "Motions," Scott has undoubtedly been one of the best producers of modern deep house in the last few years.
The eponymous tracks on The Evolutions EP see Scott depart from the lush tones of previous releases, opting instead for a more taut, tense style. "Part 1" takes up the first side, steadily building the mood with a heavy kick and shuffling shakers, before the grubby dubbed out chords start to peek their way out of the leaden groove. The long lead-in makes it useful for DJs who like to mix things deeply, as it takes a good four minutes for things to really kick off. The chords subside before being replaced by a memorable prodding synth that intertwines with a killer acid line to create one of those real dancefloor moments that will be sure to elevate the mood of many a late night dancer. It doesn't last long, however, as we're brought right down to earth with a strung out two-chord sequence until the track finishes.
The second part fares less well, eschewing the shakers for a rattling hat line and forceful chords on the same melodic theme. On the right floors and in the right hands, it could be used to create a powerful crescendo, but ultimately feels like an afterthought in comparison to the flip. The package is completed by "The Voyage," which finds Scott in more familiar territory with its lazy bassline and celestial synths, and while it isn't likely to set any dancefloors alight any time soon, it's ideal material for home DJs upon their return from the club.
TracklistA Evolutions Pt. 1
B1 The Voyage
B2 Evolutions Pt. 2