- The Double R's run of solid minimal house and techno continues with its fifth release, a split 12-inch by Thor and Suciu. The former is a dub techno legend, made famous by a string of deep but party-friendly records released between 1996 and 2002. Suciu is a lesser-known Romanian producer with just a few digital-only tracks to his name. Like all of the The Double R's releases until now, Thor's and Suciu's respective efforts cover tried-and-tested ground. They're also classy and polished, and make for a solid entry to the label's catalogue.
"Essential Thoughts" is rare new material from Thor, and it arrives at a time of increased interest in his work (Sushitech are reissuing a collection of tracks from his catalogue this month). Though the aesthetic is clearly Thor—big, punchy bass combined with classic dub techno tropes—it sounds more modern than his grittier earlier cuts. (That said, there's no word on when the track was actually made.) Suciu's "Cadru2" comes straight from the Romanian minimal playbook, and is therefore significantly more stripped-back. It's also propelled by heavy bass, but it will probably only gain traction with DJs already on board with the Romanian sound. Those that are, however, will be hooked on the short and sweet vocal snippets, which add a flashy touch to an otherwise understated track.
TracklistA1 Thor - Essential Thoughts
B1 Suciu - Cadru2