B1 – DJ Botermelk – Rearview [VENN001]

VENN is the freshly spawned label from Seoul-based DJ Botermelk. The debut EP is delivered from the man himself, with 3 tuff club-ready original mixes and an introspective remix from Bristolian wizard ‘Boulderhead’ making up the fabric of the record. Since relocating to Seoul from London over a decade ago, DJ Botermelk is an ever present figure in the Seoul underground, producing and DJing but also throwing parties under the VENN brand and exposing the local scene to some wicked artists: including Baldo, DJ Pipe and DJ Life, Aldonna and more. Now expanding VENN into label territories, it’s time for the imprint to firmly stamp its authority on the international scene.

The Rubber Glover EP stretches dubbed-out house music with quirky thrills and seductive traits. Energy-infused and playful but with elements of darkness and eerier atmospheres, it is the perfect blend of fun and serious. A1 ‘Rubber Glover’ provides a hazy and open-minded opener, urging you into its lair with its dark atmosphere, swarming synth-lines and trippy percs. Botermelk is firmly in control of this one, allowing the rumbling bassline to sweep punters into its clutches but without letting the mood overspill. A solid DJ tool for the opening act.

A2 ‘Milwaukee’ lifts into a more optimistic feeling, growing a sense of funky floatation with its warm summery groove – one of those tracks where you feel as one with your surroundings as the beat dances around you. Tight drums keep the elements firmly intact, punchy and slick but with just the right amount of minimalism and intricacy, as the moody grooves illuminate the energy and misty vocals ride the track’s waves smoothly between the beats.

B1 ‘Rearview’ diverts the vibe of the flip of the record into a chamber of peak-time techiness, issuing a warning that this is a producer and label that can do both the minimal and maximal. Rearview is a stompy weapon with wicked drum-play, the bruising kick is matched with steppy snares and simmering hats; as rumbling breaks announce themselves mid-way to pack out the spaces and increase the ruggedness of the beats. Dark grooves eek around every corner as the drums and bassline collide in perfect unison, allowing one another to breathe to create a serious, techy workout.

Last up is Boulderhead’s take on ‘Rubber Glover’. Firmly in tune with the peak-time energy of the B-side, his remix tilts into a proggy surrounding. If you know Boulderhead’s tunes, you’ll know exactly what he’s about with his lush blend of spacey sounds and high-energy basslines. He doesn’t disappoint with this one either, spraying a cosmic coat onto ‘Rubber Glover’ with sonic synth-lines, haunting atmospheres and lucid perc-play pouncing all over the dark and chunky bassline.