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12"
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RS 053EP
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2023 repress. Session Victim debut on Rhythm Section International with an EP of understated but highly effective jazzy house rollers. Having cemented themselves as firm favorites on the Rhythm Section dancefloor over the years, the German duo step forward to present their debut EP on the South London label: Basic Instinct. Known for their unparalleled energy when performing live or DJing, Hauke and Matthias fly the flag for sample based, soulful house music and a commitment to the art of vinyl DJing. With the never-ending search for the perfect beat at the core of what they do, it was no surprise they found a deep affinity with Rhythm Section International over years of playing for each other, jamming in the studio and crossing paths at festivals and airports around the world. In short, this record was an inevitable culmination of two passionate, like-minded groups, a match made in Heaven and a long time coming. Despite hailing from the techno meccas of Berlin and Hamburg, Session Victim are direct descendants of the German jazzy housemasters, tracing inspiration from the likes of Jazzanova, Soulphiction, and Compost Records -- the likes of which have gone onto inspire a renaissance of this more soulful sound in German clubs, spearheaded by labels like Tartelet and Toy Tonics -- the latter of which the duo recently released an EP with. This latest effort on Rhythm Section International is a masterclass in restraint, demonstrating a deep understanding of dancefloor dynamics, putting the maxim "less is more" to great effect. The opening track, "Trying To Make it Home" is the most immediately engaging cut: a double bass riff drives along a Kerri Chandler-esque filtered piano pattern which gives way to a soaring gospel vocal, allowing the groove to take control as flutes, strings and occasional guitar licks meander in and out of the mix to create areal "heads down, arms up" moment for the dancefloor.
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12"
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PEN 002EP
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The second record on Pen & Paper contains two Session Victim original tunes, demonstrating the duo's trademark taste for sublime sample composition. "Smile" is dominated by a heavy drum set that paves the way for an assortment of smaller and bigger funk loops, eventually joined by a vibrant lo-fi chord. "Mourn" sees a moody blues sample float on top of the creamiest synth pad, echoing in-and-out while telling it's dark, old story.
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12"
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RTR 014EP
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Can't Help It is the long-awaited return of sample wizards Session Victim. This Retreat three-tracker is a profound, subtle and quite melancholic affair, skillfully arranged and featuring the impeccable playing of Linnart Ebel. "Pass the Diesel" begins with a stuttering beat, seagull-like noises, and muted chords. "Hyuwee" slows things down with the banjo, but the fear of witnessing these down-to-earth-boys actually becoming the boys-down-south vanishes after 30 seconds: a melancholic three-chord theme, snappy 808 patterns, and a funky drum fill leads the tune into familiar territory.
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