Nautiluss - The Nite Owl Diner #3

  • Share
  • For the third 12-inch on Chrissy Murderbot's and Alex Burkat's Nite Owl Diner, the Chicago label taps its first non-local. Toronto producer Nautiluss has no problem fitting in, handing over four lively house tunes. It's a notable departure from the heavier, bass-loaded techno he's released since 2011, which makes The Nite Owl Diner #3 feel like a fresh start for Graham Bertie. Everything is brighter and friendlier; even when Bertie mixes a rolling drum break into "Pyramid Lake," he softens the edges with New Age pads and wispy ambiance. "Aerochrome" gives the EP a spirited start with some help from Vin Sol: the pair piece together an impressive groove out of pounding disco beats, elastic bass notes and a few tasteful samples to lend it all some soul. It's the EP's most charismatic tune, as Bertie eschews hooky melodies in favor of synth textures and bullish percussion. "Majenta Skies" and "Pyramid Lake" dole out their melodies sparingly, like a mother rationing sweets to her kids. While there's nothing too wrong with this, Bertie doesn't fill the space where a sticky bassline or striking refrain would've been. The Nite Owl Diner #3 has no lack of effective house tracks, but it could've used a couple more memorable ones.
  • Tracklist
      A1 Aerochrome feat. Vin Sol A2 Fly High B1 Pyramid Lake B2 Majenta Skies
RA