543ff, Skudge - LRC003

19 Mar

The latest hard-hitting release on the Lazy Reflex Complex label, LRC003 (2024), includes six savvy cuts from two masters of their individual styles. Skudge and 543ff consistently step up, delivering cold club cuts that send dance flows into a tizzy. 543ff has long shown his unwavering style, which can be applied to several genres. His back catalogue strays from halftime to Italo-style dance, all ingrained with this hypnotic edge. At the same time, Skudge demonstrates a glassy polish, dub techno-inspired bass-heavy beats that rumble bass bins.

With this release, the two artists are at their shimmering peaks. Beginning with Skudge, his distinctive style continuously drives the dancefloor. The energetic beating of drums is imbued with grooves by funky basslines. The dubby echoes fill the offbeats, bobbing and weaving around the classicly crisp kicks on 'Departure'. Skudge demonstrates the euphoric side of the production when the crystal-clear claps and hi-hats enter the fray, allowing you to get lost in the funk. 543ff's interpretation of 'Departure' departs the club and enters the warehouse. The much more stripped-back sound of the remix creates space between larger-than-life kick drums. Not to mention, including strings coupled with cathedral-sized echo gives an epic feel and becomes more suited to a big room. 'Fusion' cranks up the resonance for a more introspective cut. Utilising high-frequency rides and clicks that juxtapose the dark and edgy club sound, Scotch has become synonymous with.

543ff continues this stranglehold on the big room, beginning with 'Burden', a Berghain-ready floor filler. The track pumps away like the pistons of a V8 while atonal synths push out wonky rhythms clearly designed to pull you deeper into the dance. 'Zoning' references Skudge style with dubbed-out chords, creating a Floorplan-esque call and response. The high-energy closer, 'Container', finds the perfect middle ground in styles. The high-energy club style of Skudge is emulated by the liberal use of percussion, complementing the pumping warehouse style of 543ff. Slowly, swirling synthesises lay in the background, adding more layers to the track. You'd be hard-pressed to find a release that does so much with so little. LRC003 is a perfect balance of minimal club and warehouse music.

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