The latest release from Astral Records welcomes Lastraw and Nine Collins to the label for their debut EP. The former has enjoyed a near decade long career as a producer, showcasing his techno sounds via Exotic Refreshment, Rhythmetic Records and Us and Them Records. Meanwhile, Nine Collins has enjoyed similar success as a DJ, playing some of Greece's trendist venues such as Tokyo City Bar, Club Division and The Real Rock n Rolla. Having made their collaborative debut with a contribution to the Movement Recordings 'Technical Progress' Vol. 11 collection earlier this year, Lastraw and Nine Collins now present their first ever artist EP entitled 'Her Kind'

 

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Beginning with the title selection the duo explores the depths of cosmic techno with a heady creation that's sure to get your dance floor moving. Waves of rippling bass power forward, setting the foundation, while clattering percussion and crunchy rhythms encase the framework. Adding further intrigue, a spoken word vocal narrative intertwines with the astral themes as wavy arps rise to prominence. Racing towards the main break, the groove strips down for a colourful entry, moving through striking artefacts and processed vocals, perfectly setting up an emotional bridge into an exhilarating finale.

'Blue Horizon' follows with a further lean towards astral techno territory. Driving and rhythmic in all the right ways, fiery percussion and growling electronics descend over the rippling foundation, as playful arps and placid overlays transfer energy into the main break. Expanding across a near two-minute centrepiece, textural drifts and scintillating electronics unite for spine tingling moments, before eventually getting washed away in a trail of mind bending sonics and punishing beats.

Rounding out the release is 'Breathe' which finds the duo exploring another amalgamation of progressive house and techno. A touch deeper and more laid back than its predecessors, it's bounce and drive still prove quite infectious. Luminous stabs and trailing effects offset each other nicely, as rolling rhythms build momentum across the first act. Icy overlays strike at opportune moments, adding additional depth leading into the main break. Perhaps one of the EP's most memorable moments, the centrepiece delivers feelings of reflection as clustered themes and wintry sonics rise towards a punishing drop and surreal finale. It rounds out a superb Astral Records debut for Lastraw and Nine Collins, who continue to build on their creative synergy here. Highly recommended.