- Lick My Deck puts out incredibly elegant music for a label with such a boisterous name. Launched in 2007, the London-based operation's most memorable work has come from producers known for their finesse, with the likes of Ion Ludwig, Petre Inspirescu and Bruno Pronsato ranking among its contributors. Thomas Melchior, another minimalist with longstanding ties to the label, checks back in with his latest 12-inch, Tracking The Psyche. It sees him continue a stellar run of form (following February's The Return Of The Cosmic Kids Vol 2) with three entrancing house cuts that should go down nicely with followers of Melchior's trademark lean style.
Melchior's clear sense of groove is very much present on Tracking The Psyche, but on two tracks it takes a backseat to colourful atmospherics. "Right Of Passage (The Induction)" is euphoric and airy, not much more than a steady bassline, reverbed vocal snippets and what sounds like a hushed arpeggio. The 11-minute "Let Go" also feels strangely ambient, despite packing a chunky bassline and thumping kick (albeit one that is only present for half the track). "The Ritual" is the plate's most versatile track, featuring a complex bassline and catchy yet indiscernible vocal. Picking up Tracking The Psyche should be a no-brainer if you're a Melchior fan.
TracklistA1 Right Of Passage (The Induction)
A2 The Ritual
B1 Let Go