Out on Monday, ‘Together Like This’ is the new EP from Bournemouth duo Zoo Look, released on newly launched English label Abstract Culture. With solid releases under their belt including ‘Over Me’ featuring a ‘Detroit Swindle Rework’ and the foot-shuffling, ‘I Can’t Deny’, this is another slice of infectious deep house, neatly infused with elements of techno and old school.
The title track kicks in with a thudding kick, skipping hi-hats, crisp snares and clap track followed by a deep and groovy, bumping, bassline. The funky, retro, narrated vocal begins to reverberate with an undeniably cool, nonchalant attitude while an intense acid house inspired overdub builds until it’s frantically ascending over smooth, chiming synths. Distorted, off-beat, percussive samples bleep and chop, taking things up a level creating a chaotic melody that contrasts well over the funky, laid-back, loose, groove. However, there are enough head shaking, jackin’ beats and drops throughout that maintain a hefty ‘underground swagger.’
The ‘Purple Velvet Remix’ is a far more chilled out affair. Solid beats, claps, percussive melodies and sweet, Hammond-like organ keys, accompany fat, garage basslines. The track has a cool, relaxed, lazy summer’s day vibe yet maintains an upbeat and head bopping groove throughout. ‘The Duchess’ kicks off with an abstract vocal – a crackling telephone conversation and dialing tone. A throbbing kick bumps along with off-beat hats and trance-inducing, rotating synths. A deep and dirty bassline and pronounced snares get things flowing while vocal cuts, almost hip-hop breaks and gentle swelling synths all add to the hypnotic quality.
‘Black Tee’s Duchess Remix’ sees things turn harder and darker. Pulsing kicks and clanging, other-worldly samples build tension. When it drops it thunders along like a locomotive techno train heading straight for a Berlin warehouse. Another acid-inspired bassline with a smacking snare compliment the thumping beat that maintains a high energy from start to finish. This atmospheric track is definitely one to keep things going after hours.
As the deep house scene becomes ever more commercialised and to some mundane, this EP retains an unflinching edge. This is fast becoming a rare quality as it continues to become the norm for many DJs to flirt with a more ‘radio friendly ‘, mainstream sound. There are plenty choice house grooves on offer here but they are delivered with an attitude and style that ensures it stays loyal to its underground roots.
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