- SCSI-9 have had their ups and downs. From their slightly underwhelming full-length outings on Kompakt, to their blissful melodic techno efforts on the likes of Trapez and Subtonik, the pair have never really been renowned for consistency. Their latest single, "Smooth Sunset," touches down courtesy of Mike Spirit's Highway Records. The title track sees the pair return to the synth-heavy formula that has characterised much of their recent output, running with a lightly layered but driving bass and drum combination, which is joined by a thick and aggressive midrange that would suit tech house DJs looking to add a bit of analogue punch to their set. It's not the Russian pair's finest work. But it's not their worst, either.
Three remixes are on offer here, opening with Sergey Sanchez and Thierry Thomas's rework. Taking control of the original's bassline, the end result is rather flat, stripping away much of the personality that found its way onto the single. Alexander Pavlenko and Jack De Marseille provide the remaining interpretations, with the former knocking out the pick of the two. Pavelenko, better known for drum & bass productions under his Sunchase moniker, transforms the original into an expansive and delicate foray into upbeat tech, while De Marseille tips his hat to Detroit.
TracklistA1 Smooth Sunset (Sergey Sanchez & Thierry Thomas Remix)
A2 Smooth Sunset (Alexander Pavlenko Remix)
B1 Smooth Sunset
B2 Smooth Sunset (Jack de Marseille Remix)