Following EPs from Matthew Burton and Seuil, the third release on Sammy Dee's Ultrastretch label introduces one of Berlin's most intriguing outsiders: Albert Schwartz. A native of Ghana now based in Germany, Schwartz has been DJing and making tracks for years, but aside from a few gigs with Sammy at Club der Visionäre, has mostly been kept secret until now. With Berry Deep / Drop, he shows a modern and organic style of house that makes him a perfect fit for the Berlin-based label.
"Berry Deep" is true to its name: subtle, plodding and atmospheric, driven by an elliptical vocal bit. Much like Ultrastretch's past releases (or old Perlon records for that matter), it's the tiny, meticulous details that breath life into this one, like the bubbling major chords competing with the mournful strings, or the ghostly, almost imperceptible Marvin Gaye samples ("Hey brother! What's happenin...."). "Drop" brings the energy up a notch without losing its subtle touch. The drums are punchier and have a bit more momentum, but the tone is still somehow hushed. This time Marvin takes center stage, with lines from "Inner City Blues" strewn across the track.
The EP's remix comes from Rhadoo, a core member of Romania's a:rpia:r crew (along with Raresh and Petre Inspirescu) and a past guest at Sammy Dee's Ultrastretch parties at Club der Visionäre. His microhouse "restyle" of "Berry Deep" gives the original a trippy edge, plus a bit more club-friendly oomph.
Samples:
Dark & Deep
