Review:
Amidst all the rightfully celebrated contributions to the R&S revival from James Blake and Space Dimension Controller last year, the punishing dancefloor update of the label's sonic template from Hemlock boss Untold was sort of passed by. Hailing from Barnsley, Blawan becomes the latest rising talent to appear on the iconic Belgian imprint, and takes his cue from Jack Dunning, fully embracing the 303 sound that characterised the label in its pomp and delivering three thrilling tracks that further demonstrate the budding potential shown on his Hessle Audio debut. Lead track "Bohla" sets the tone, crafting a menacing rhythmic swing from a titular growl and smudged bass drums, with intermittent upwards swirls of 303 constantly building and dropping off. "Kaz" proves to be brilliantly schizophrenic in its approach, with intricate drum rhythms cascading around whilst acid lines twist in ten different directions across almost seven freakout-inducing minutes. What really impresses with Blawan is an innate talent for unique rhythms and it's most apparent on the abrasive delight of "Lavender", with rattling percussion covered in a thick viscous bassline truffle shuffle.