Andy Odysee - Blueprint / Broken Image / Low-Tech - Odysee Recordings

Original 90’s D&B imprint Odysee continues to build its portfolio of releases with this second solo E.P. from label partner Andy Odysee. Once again remaining true to same ethos that the original Source Direct and Mirage releases on Odysee Recordings became known for; Andy explores different areas of the Drum & Bass genre and delivers a 12” that showcases both musical scope and stylistic versatility.

Blueprint is structured on a relentless, war-like Taiko drum. As the crisp drum work enters, the track starts to build its energy around a tapestry of haunting pads and abstract hits. The mood suddenly drops; a brief return to the emptiness of the intro, before the track lets loose with its ear-ripping synth bass descents and razor sharp breaks. If ever there was a track that ‘saved the best until last’ however, this is a strong contender!

As the track reaches the second drop, sweet female vocal ad-libs curl around the original elements, before unleashing the final stretch with its blistering fury of Amens.
In complete contrast, Broken Image is a modern day twist on the style of production that was seen on some of Source Direct’s Hokusai releases; reminiscent of tracks like Jade or Divine. From the very outset, this piece is a heart-breaker with its melancholy call & response between the two guitar and Rhodes motifs. Although the breaks & bass work are plenty tough enough for the dance floor, it is the kind of track that is packed with a level of detail & depth that will reveal something new on every fresh listening.

Exclusive to the vinyl release, the third track Low-Tech returns to one of the Odysee crew’s first loves; early 90’s Breakbeat Hardcore. From the punchy Techno stabs & Beltram-esque synths to the floating Warp Records-style pads & dreamy vocal ad-libs, this is packed to the nines with nostalgic references to a bygone era of illegal Warehouse parties. The strident framework feels more typically D&B, and yet the characteristic Odysee sounds are still present; the art very much in the detail!