Breach – ‘Artis’ EP

Breach debuts on super-reputable imprint Aus Music later this month, with a three-track EP by the name of ‘Artis’. Also known by his real name, Ben Westbeech, the Bristol-made, Amsterdam-based artist had us guessing as to where he would take his maiden drop on Aus and we were a tad surprised by the outcome.

Top track ‘Artis’ is a deep and techy locomotive straight out the jungle. Animal sounds surround the tribal clearings under the dense musical canopy. It’s lacking the mass appeal of ‘Jack’ or ‘Everything You Never Had’ but we think that’s to the merit of this atmospheric cruiser. Heavy bass and a solid kick are the bedrock of this robust little jam.

The B side shows off the more radical nature of the DJ/producer who still manages to drop cuts on both sides of the commercial/underground divide after 10 years in the game. First up on the flip is ‘Ode Oshi’. Not just a Yoruba expletive, the track is a melodic, experimental wandering, unlike anything we’ve heard from Breach or his alter-ego before. If truth be told, we’re not really sure how to take it.

‘This One’s For You You Know Who You Were’ is the final effort on the EP. It’s busier than Ode Oshi, with a lot more groove and – like the track’s title – a little deeper. Just like Ode Oshi, it’s a new, moodier direction for the artist. The title track is a grower, worth the outlay on its own. The other two have their charm, and their place, but were unexpected, albeit well-hewn, compositions.

Breach is halfway through a global tour which has seen him perform at Snowbombing on Monday before flying out to Berlin to drop a set at Berghain this Saturday. We caught him on the Sheffield leg of his tour alongside Route 94 where he offered us a few words. The Artis EP touches down on the 21st April.

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