Ambivalence is a funny thing. The simultaneous existence of two opposed and conflicting attitudes can cause much confusion and unease. Fortunately, it has served to do nothing but help Kevin McHugh in his quest to achieve impeccable music productions and attract a global audience eager to hear his unique take on confounding dance floor tracks. With his Ambivalent alter ego, Kevin has become a leader in the new school techno underworld, and although his diverse production aesthetics are one of his greatest strengths, his ability to remain consistent remains at the forefront. This latest release for Minus follows one theme throughout: cutting edge dance music with a balance of form and function, made to tear the clubs to pieces.
Title track Rumors is a disorienting vocal number that takes the words and throws them into a warped headspace of paranoia, humor and confusion. It’s poetry for the chemical generation, and one of the strongest tracks we’ve heard out of Ambivalent’s studio. It’s a true representation of his ‘Ambivalence’ within music and idealisms. Are things supposed to make sense? Do they make sense? Well, yes and no.
Up next, Bumble takes a quick peek back into previous Ambivalent productions, with a familiar focus on some clever FX work. A simple but highly infectious rhythm structure leaves plenty of space for cut and paste edits, warped vocal samples and sounds so unusual you’d have to wonder if they were planned or conceived via a wonderful studio accident.
Filler does just what the name implies, and serves as an essential DJ tool with impeccable percussive arrangements and a crisp and clean production. It’s a track clearly made to utilize when the dancefloor is locked tightly in the groove and needs that essential moment to draw breath before the next huge moment – but rest assured, this is one DJ tool that is made to work, and work it does.
Backbiter finishes out the EP with a cut perfectly suited for the upcoming summer. A perfect example of accessible daytime tech house, made to spin at the outdoor festivals as well as deep in the darkest dance dungeon. A tracky groove with an ultimately clear focus on some great hi-hats and quirky sound snippets, Backbiter is an unstoppable groove and patiently lets the beats to do the work.
The digital only track, Dunk takes things back to the land of all things funky, as a highly addictive bouncer of a cut, making its primary focus a freestyle synth structure and playful bassline. Ambivalent must have been feeling sunny during the production of this gem, as it is without a doubt the most cheerful track of the bunch.
Ambivalent’s latest release finds a balance of sounds reminiscent of his previous output, as well as a clear advancement in percussive arrangements, sample manipulation and FX. His growing experience in the production arena rings clear as a bell with the five tracks featured here, offering DJs and club goers an assorted selection of four-to-the-floor grooves that keep clubs bouncing and moving.
FIRST PRESSING WITH LIMITED COLORED SLEEVE!!!
Track Listing:
A1. Rumors
A2. Bumble
B1. Filler
B2. Backbiter
Digital Bonus Track:
Dunk
Release Date Physical: July 12th, 2010
Release Date Digital: July 14th, 2010
Samples
http://www.wordandsound.de/article/66329
