Black Fan is making his debut on the killer Swedish label Local Talk. Home of the like of HNNY and Atjazz. The release comes via sub label LTX (launched in 2013), which has most recently featured a three track EP for Merrick. While Black Fan may be a new name to some he has actually been knocking about the scene since the 80’s in the form of both a Dj and promoter. By no means a new comer to the game he has recently come back from a musical hiatus that began in 2008. This short break has seen him rejuvenate his creative self and as a result we can now celebrate the fruits of his time off. Going by the name of “In the Water”, this 3 track ep has plenty to give with strong offerings on each track. A hurdle that most producers fail to clear when making an ep.
First up is the title track In the water. Low down and dirty groove to open things up. Reminiscent of Daphnis ye ye. Heavy synth lines with the ever driving bass drum give this great track a kind of low ceiling basement club feeling. Element changes in this track are few and far between, but when you hit the nail on the head right from the opener why change anything? That being said the track goes to another level just after 2:30 with things getting more elaborate and diverse.
Then next out of the gate is “Dancin Together”. Automatically faster paced than what has come before with teasings of a bass drum scattered in at the beginning. The melody has a more light hearted feel to it that wouldn’t be out of place in a Detroit Swindle set, but with extra helpings of groove to get even the most reluctant movers shaking their hips. A powerful female vocal wades in to take hold of the track and is the cherry on top of an already powerful track.
Lastly, but most certainly not least is the heavy hitting “J2015”. Right from the get go the base line punches you right into the pit of your stomach right before an 80’s electro type synth line comes in. Ever growling along the base line is relentless and unforgiving. Fairing closer to techno waters with this one he has gone a very different direction with the closer. This finisher is almost guaranteed not to fade into the ether of forgotten B side tracks that had so much offer but couldn’t shake the over hanging shadow of their A side brethren. Consistent right till the end this is another capital release from the Local Talk boys and a hell of a fanfare to welcome back Black Fan. Keep your eyes and ears peeled ladies and gents! This is a sign of things to come from Black and I for one am very excited to see more. In The Water is due out very soon.