Cristoph – ‘Rimshot’ EP

After an incredible eighteen months, which have seen this producer’s career gather perpetual momentum (gaining the attention of industry stalwarts such as Pete Tong and Roger Sanchez along the way) Cristoph is back with his latest release ‘Rimshot’. This year Cristoph has played right across Europe,taking in shows in Ibiza and Amsterdam where he played at the world-famous ADE.

With a buzz such as the one he has been creating this year, here at The Noise Gate we were extremely keen to find out more about this Newcastle native and his upcoming EP. Released through Kittball Records, the ‘Rimshot’ EP features the three tracks: ‘Rimshot (Original Mix)’, ‘Rimshot (Chemical Surf Remix)’ and ‘Back To Beat’.

The EP’s first offering immediately establishes itself as a strong tech-house track, powered by an intelligent bassline/hi-hat paring that wastes no time in gripping its hooks into the listener. Around halfway through we’re introduced to the tracks vocals, which absent-mindedly muse on “first times”. These type of vocals are mesmeric and chilling in equal measure; in this instance giving the track its “X Factor” and propelling its standing from good to excellent. By the time we are treated to the track’s final vociferous drop, Cristoph well and truly has the listener in the palm of his hand. I found myself blissfully lost in the beat and can’t help but draw comparisons to the feeling I get whilst listening to a set from the maverick Seth Troxler.

‘Rimshot (Chemical Surf Remix); has much more focus on the vocals from the off. As the track goes on and introduces the listener to its portentous vocal loop, you find yourself uncontrollably nodding your head and unable to avoid getting into the groove. The bridge features a more isolated take on the vocals before dropping back to the main beat with stunning effect. Though I prefer the original cut to the Chemical Surf Remix, I have nothing bad to say about this track. It is the more mainstream friendly of the two versions, a comment which of course can be taken one of two ways, depending on individual preference.

‘Back to Beat’ wastes no time at all in getting down to proceedings. This track offers a much harder sound than its predecessors and is just that little bit more intense. With its ominous vocals and acid beat, it evoked memories of a trip I had to Berlin earlier this year. Truth be told, this track wouldn’t be at all out of place if heard playing in the Berghain; which is testament to Cristoph’s obvious ability.

This EP is a home run as far as I’m concerned. The Geordie DJ effortlessly showcases his talents with the penned tracks and I am sure there will be plenty more to come from him in 2015; for now however, just remember 2 things: ‘Rimshot’ is the title and Cristoph is his name! The EP is out on November 25th: you can check the preview of ‘Rimshot’ below and hear more of his music here. Enjoy.

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