For SIDE B's fourth release, an EP by Portugal's own DJ Dextro is in line. Ultra
efficient, fine tuned techno is put under a microscope by the international
mainstay for this record. Using high pressure in the low-end and creative
textures to decorate the tracks, Dextro solidifies his place as a mainstay with a
biting performance on home turf.
Balancing his uncompromising sound with mystical synth work, Dextro opens
'Lost Frame' with the title track. In this A1, he rolls straight into a tunnel with
flashing percussion and lurking melodies far out in the stereo field. Dancefloor
focused but with a hint of mysticism, 'Lost Frame' creates a captivating
ambiance to introduce the project with promises of earworm groove. Quick to
follow up, 'Disclosure Of Who We Are' sees more space between the elements,
creating a whipping effect in the rhythm and rich in sound design. Synth stabs
cut through a booming kick, creating urgency in an EP that was lacking none to
begin with. This spirit is maintained on the record's flip to the B side - this time
with an added bit of funk and shuffle. 'Liberdade' throws a vicious synth
sequence forward for peaktime use and sees Dextro define his space with
concentrated transitions and booming percussive hits. Swinging along with the
occasional vocal sample to emphasize the obscurity, the producer maintains his
delivery of razor sharp focus in all of his elements. To conclude, 'Panoplia
Abstracta' settles things with an ambient, even meditative fourth track. Staying
insistent with his kick, Dextro lets go of the wheel to drift his record from the
body to the mind with progressive arrangement and soothing textures to see
off a whirlwind of an EP for SIDE B records.
Words by Noah Hocker