Paco Osuna proves once again that he’s in a league of his own when it comes to serving up futuristic nuggets of southern fried techno. It really is anything but minimal these days as layer upon layer of rich textures combine, guaranteeing maximum overdrive. And it’s not only the choice and combination of sounds, or the full-on party vibe Paco instinctively achieves that drive this EP higher, the clarity and warmth of the mixdowns add a 3 dimensional quality, enhancing the all round listening experience.
To prove the point, Party in Chicago lets the good times roll, with its massive, samba-esque bassline, avalanches of analogue EFX, loose drum crescendos and memorable vocal samples. The track alternates between black run sequences, huge build-ups and intense, reverb drenched breakdowns to deliver some heart in the mouth moments - just light the fuse and watch this one burn. With a twisted dialogue taking place between the morphing electro toms and more sliced up vocals, Looking For (v2) makes another powerful dancefloor statement. Packed with deep, resonating tones, washes of static, clipped reverbs and sudden changes in atmospheric pressure Paco takes care of business unerringly, juxtaposing a vast array of percussive elements that fill every conceivable space. During the breakdown the tsunami-like main riff surges to new heights while the outro second-guesses the crowd with subtle shifts in rhythm.
My Friend sets the B-side in motion with an understated intro rising from the depths. More cut-up vocals pitch up and down before an unexpected, premature breakdown focuses the mind with a barrage of snare rolls. Another masterful separation of sound is on display with ride cymbals, passing pads, hand claps all jostling for position, leading the track in ever decreasing circles until everything suddenly returns in one all encompassing crescendo. However, it’s the frenzied, solo drumming beating out tough, improvised rhythms over the surface that supplies the lifeblood of the track. Scratchy EFX that work a treat on the mix-in make way for an unusual combination of alternating car horn and amphibian like croaks and blips on What’s Up. There’s a quirky humour at work here as planes buzz overhead as Paco builds up a cracking hihat line and discreet chuckles infiltrate the mix. Breaking down at the halfway stage the track becomes a wash of drawn out howls that slow to a halt before the lopsided tribal groove picks up again.
There’s also a more stripped down, digital only mix of Looking For (v1) available. Gone are the long reverberations of the vinyl version allowing the urgent groove and throbbing machine bass more room while adding extra focus to the oddly soothing female vox EFX. The new micro synth melody interacts with an ever-growing rhythm section before the track deconstructs back to its basic elements. It essentially plays out in a similar manner but the seemingly unobtrusive synth hook starts to dominate proceedings after the seductive vocal breakdown, oscillating ever so slightly but enough to draw shouts from the crowd.
Tracklisting:
A1. Party in Chicago - 7:04
A2. Looking For v2 - 6:14
AA1. My Friend - 6:25
AA2. What’s Up!!! - 8:05
Digital Bonus Tracks: Looking For v1 - 6:43
