After a two-year hiatus, the Skins white label series is back with SKINS003. Rooted in the same hypnotic, driving dub techno aesthetic that had previous releases garnering the attention of DJs such as Jane Fitz, Viers, and Chekov, Skins’ latest expands his sonic palette with some new flavours.
A loping, four to the floor groove morphs into eyes-down jungle on the A-side track ‘The Long Wait’, while on the flip, ‘Police State’ weaves introspective techno with excerpts from an interview with Cornel West discussing the topic of police brutality and protest. Following the popularity of the drum tool on the label’s first record, the B-side finishes on a percussive beat that simmers with tension. Together, these three cuts comprise a reflective, dynamic record made for DJs who know how to craft a musical journey.
All proceeds from the record will go to charities supporting black communities.
The second in the Skins whitelabel series delivers yet more carefully crafted dub techno for the dancefloor. Opener ‘Sahara Sky’ begins with menacing low-end atmospherics, with slowly evolving pads and chords forming an assured groove punctuated by dreamy synth lines. ‘Eve’ is similarly groove-based, with its relentless forward momentum kept in check by a wistful descending chord sequence. In both, Skins lends the spaciousness synonymous with dub techno a club-focused kineticism, creating versatile tracks that allow DJs to transform the vibe, whether building up or winding down. The record also features two synth tools: an energetic acid/dub fusion and a stripped-back polymetric chord jam, offering myriad possibilities for textural play and keeping listeners guessing.
