Of Norway At Juno Download

Review: It's obvious that Norwegian duo Lil'Wolf and Chris Lynch aka Of Norway come from a DJing background. "Thirst" is a tripped out release that veers seamlessly between styles, and some of the tracks are extended to over 12 minutes. The title track reflects their approach, a pulsing, low-slung groove populated by heavy claps and a soaring bassline. "The Bleeding" is informed by a similar aesthetic, but this time the focus is on gurgling acid as woozy chords and atmospheric keys appear and disappear again throughout the extended groove. The dub edit is more direct, with its marching drums tempering the wobbly, unpredictable acid.

Review: If you're looking for an esoteric take on modern house, you've come to the right place. "Libertine" is an epic slice of stoner dance music, its dubby drums laying down a loose rhythmic marker. But it's the dreamy sound scapes, effortlessly disjointed vocals and chiming effects that make the original version sound like a cross between Nick Curly and Howard Marx. Losoul tries to make sense of the soupy original and does a fine job. Logical and angular but also including jazzy stabs and melodic riffs, his remix demonstrates why he's still one of the most distinctive voices in house music.

Review: Frankfurt-based label Connaisseur Recordings precede their third instalment of their Grand Cru compilation, due out at the end of this month, with a three track taster courtesy of Of Norway, DJ Assassin and Martin Beume. Of Norway's "Skogen Kaller" opens the release will a skippy jaunt through contented minimal, tech house. Its hook is the strange melody parts that play out above the simple yet feet-tapping beat. DJ Assassin's "Deep Riddim" is a deep and dubby swagger amongst walls of bass and Martin Beume delves into to some tingling atmospherics on "Mainspring."