DJ Koze has always been somewhat of a chameleon. The Hamburg based producer moves through hip hop, house and a smattering of pop with the greatest of ease. His productions take psychedelic turns and twists while maintaining a certain sense of humor that is uniquely his own. “XTC” sees Koze return to his own Pampa imprint for one of the more straight ahead tracks he’s released. Light synth pads slowly morph over a gentle kick as the track takes its time building. It’s vaguely reminiscent of his excellent “Cicely” but travels down its own path over time. A pitched down female voice comes in about three minutes into the track. It offers up an inquisitive look into the drug ecstasy before moving on into the ether. And it’s with this that Koze employs his skill to cause the listener to look inside themselves for the answer. Fortunately he’s provided one of the most gorgeous and blissful deep house tracks to lose yourself in. Don’t think about it too much.

• music label: Pampa Records 2015

reviewed by Joey Coco 08/2015