12"

genre: TECHNO - TECHHOUSE - ACID

label: ALTERED CIRCUITS   Cat.No: alt016

After her first appearance on the "Various 1" EP, Oshana now makes her full debut on Altered Circuits. The "Origins" EP is, in the artist's own words, a collection of old and new four-to-the-floor club flavours. Born out of her live practice, it is a faithful representation of where she is right now: pushing for something bigger and bolder. Her obvious talent for meticulously stacking textures doesn't prevent her from getting to the essential and direct when needed. The constant is a sensibility for the dance floor, never letting anything get in the way of grooves and rhythm. "Above We Soar" dives straight into the action with a menacing bassline and an equally dark synth layering. The track's gothic-black palette creates an appeal that merges palpable tension with restraint. It builds for 4 minutes towards a drop, and then a lashing acid line manages to ramp up the energy by another notch. "Space And Time Dimensions" is a looping roller which, judging by the reverb levels and ambient noises, might have been recorded in a missile silo. Stretched out vocal samples and constantly evolving drums push it forward in a vintage, Chicago house fashion. There is a moment of calm when these briefly fade out; one of her eccentric basslines then makes room for a small polyrhythmic sine wave, and everything clicks even more. On the other hand, "Girls In The Front" doesn’t loosen the reins, with powerful kicks and another sturdy bassline immediately setting the tone. The air feels charged with static electricity, and the way Oshana cleverly adds and subtracts pulls the listener on a groovy journey. 5 minutes fly by, and then the lead has yet to emerge. What finally comes is mighty and hypnotic. Completed by a selection of vocals that explode with anticipation, the track hints at anthem-hood. The closest "Origins" taps into a more progressive and trance side with its modulated bassline, jumpy arpeggiator, and heavily flanged flourishes. A flurry of electronic flutes and classy chords veer off into an almost idyllic atmosphere. Not for long: not coincidentally, it reverts to the main groove and enters more ambiguous yet familiar territory. [info sheet from distribution]