When Soulwax got tapped for a BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix last year, it set out to deliver an hour of original music, and Essential is now out as an album. As announced on the first track, all 12 tracks are based around the word “essential,” and the Belgian dance outfit crafts house & techno w/ bleeps, squelching 303 basslines, and processed vocal snippets. “Essential Three” is a driving number characterized by dissonant synth work, and “Essential Four” boasts tight, stickling drum programming & catchy vocals. “Essential One” is also interesting as the male voice describes the concept behind the album, and the track builds up into a thumping groover w/ distorted synths and hard-hitting drums.

• includes download code
• music label: PIAS 2018

reviewed by rei kwondo 07/18

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