After DGTL’s first VA release it is time to hand over the momentum of the ninth release to one artist only: Lauer.
A seasoned producer and remixer, Philip Lauer has over 250 remixes to his name, as well as various EPs and albums. His collaborations include the likes of Gerd Janson, Fabrizio Mammarella and Tim Sweeney.
The three-tracker DGTL release ‘Topo Chico’ is doused with Lauer’s signature sound. The first track ‘Inkel Jet 880’ is best described as modern Italo, but without the typical accented vocals. The thick and synth bass-line combined with the sharp chords, thumping beat, and two effective breaks makes Inkel Jet 880 an energetic ride straight to the dance floor.
The title track Topo Chico is a softer sounding track with a swinging bassline. Its high pitched arrangement builds up to stretched out chords, giving it all a dreamy yet spherical feel. From here on, the track continues to build up to various highs. This is achieved by leaving out chords here and there, and adding some bells instead. Slowly but surely the chords drop by again and that makes Topo Chico all the more blissful.
The EP ends with the ‘Topo Chico Tribute mix’ which starts with an acidic bassline that drops into a pool of soft-sounding bells and Lauer’s signature stretched out chords. The arrangement gives the track a nostalgic vibe, turning more modern later on in the track. The tribute ends where it all started, with the thick Acid bassline.
