Following the release of the successful album »Gens« on Ostgut Ton at the beginning of 2018, there has been a lull in Patrick Gräser’s catalogue. This should be understood as a sign of quality not as convenience. Answer Code Request doesn’t do more than he thinks is necessary. When it’s time to say something musically, he does. On his »Shattering EP«, released on the long-established Dutch label Delsin, he succeeds brilliantly. Gräser’s typical sound, which leans spherical pads and somnambulistic harmonies against breakbeats firmly anchored in this world, is more club-heavy than on »Gens«, in keeping with the EP format. »Resonate« nimbly beats drum’n’bass capers while reverberating chords glide over each other in the background. A hectic melody also sets in, which swirling hi-hats cut up at points. It could fit nicely in a quiet Peshay set, but also with the Hessle Audio crew. The title track, on the other hand, digs the kicks taken by its breakbeat metre-deep into the dry earth, moving like a giant mechanical spider. Especially strong: the hi-hats, which plant blades of grass on the beats like dandelions in asphalt. On top of that, there is every two bars a melody of such peculiar beauty as only a few producers, such as Forest Drive West, can manage – really great breakbeat emotion. The other two tracks, »CRS-21« as a fixed techno tool, »Sustaining Life« as a playful, sunny bouncer, are also above average. Extremely strong record by the Berghain resident.
Claudio PRC
Self Surrender
Delsin