SIGHA - SHAKE EP (HOTFLUSH TWO)

James Sigha starts a fresh run of productions and remixes this month with a new release on Scuba’s excellent Hotflush Recordings. Taking a divergence from his previous output while holding to his mission statement of joining the dots between Berlin and London, Hotflush 011 sees him broadening his outlook while simultaneously condensing his style.
A side Shake is far bumpier fare than we’re used to from Sigha, keeping the gloopy, washed mids and rushing walls of bass but dropping much of the attitude while skillfully maintaining the depth. It’s techno to get girls dancing and ensures that any chin stroking is performed solely for the purpose of wiping away feverish dance-sweat.
On the flip side, Shapes takes us into more familiar territory, upping the tempo and dimming the lights. Dry percussion clicks away nicely, whilst sampled jack interference holds the attention as subtle layers of chords are gently laid over a pulsating ride cymbal and a ferocious kick, leaving the track sounding like a three way techno love-in between Ben Klock, Marcell Detmann and Scuba.
Final track Light Swells (In a Distant Space) is a softened piece of heavily concentrated, undulating synth and FX work with Sigha utlising his studio prowess to create a soothing space-age mantra full to the brim with lush harmonies and warm resonance.
HTF011 is yet another notch on the electronic bedpost of a producer whose musical conquests show no sign of slowing down or losing intensity.

Words by Chris Lawes.