02 – Diego Krause – Lightspeed [FORAX06]

Contact: detectionaudio@gmail.com

Diego Krause started his Forax label back in 2020, with the sole intention of releasing his own material and for it to act as a centre-piece for his latest creative worx. No external pressure and doing things at his own pace. Forax is a continuous demonstration of his evolution in sound and is a staple for the Berlin man totally flex some variation in his productions. We’re long-time fans of Krause and have always admired his adroit ability for crafting that shifting tech-house sound. Raw and technical, heads-down and stompy, but also patterned with harmonious synchronicities and always pumped with groove in absolute abundance.

His ‘Onyx’ EP is the 6th instalment of the series and presents another efficient triple threat of deftly composed cuts. Each one illustrates a different apex of house music, fully refined and tilting on this occasion to a harmonious crest, but all projecting that signature juggernaut sound that he’s widely known for.

‘Onyx’ is a voyage of smooth talking groove. Presenting a little opening-act gem that is minimal in its approach, but has a temptatious vibe. Krause has a full understanding of how to build dance-floor momentum without the need to overflow early on into proceedings. ‘Onyx’ is the perfect tool for this scenario. The drums are nicely tight and intricate, not trying to fight eachother and all adding their own element to the vibe. There’s also some crisp Bongo percs injected into the drums to create an exotic flavour, and this is further intensified with the cruisy bass and some breezy synth-tones floating in the atmos.

‘Lifghtspeed’ is the distinctive weapon of the EP. Chunky and fully peak-time affirmed, but possessing an undeniable harmonious edge. Krause has fully mastered the art of that robust rolling sound; and cooks this melting pot with a combination of his signature hammer bass, shifty mini percs, ceiling-cutter hats and some more elegant synth-work in the upper frequencies. All the ingredients you need for a proper head-bobbing stomp out in the warmer climates.

‘Had Become’ is last up and strips out all of the interior and focusses once again on minimalism, but also being overtly rogue in its demeanour. Convoluted snares and hat-play engage all the gears from the off. Soon becoming acquainted with some weird, swirling sounds and jolting synth-stabs to heighten the obscurity. The bass is dogged and potent, making its presence known early by attacking the space between the beats, but it’s also composed enough to keep a lid on the vibe. A slick and sleazy low-end work-out to complete the EP.

Digital: t.ly/6O-3W

Diego Krause: @diegokrause

Forax (Label): t.ly/QbEhK

Stream ‘Lightspeed’ in full on our Soundcloud: