It seems to have taken a while, but Breach aka Ben Westbeech and Midland’s collaborative 12-inch has escaped the pressing plant and is finally in our hands. With a handful of releases to their names, both artists have been doing rounds on the house circuit for the last two years. The pairing might seem slightly random but as it turns out the two are no strangers in the studio together as Midland produced “Stronger” on Ben Westbeech’s full length, “There’s More To Life Than This”. The duo’s proper debut, “101 / Somewhere” comes via Westbeech’s Naked Naked imprint and is a succinct blend of their individual styles.

Stream: Breach & Midland – 101 (Naked Naked)

Even though both tracks were clearly made to dance to, some of the hazy and ethereal pads that Midland in particular is known for are clinging on the fringes of the mix. This is most prominent on “101”, where unintelligible voices and bursts of dissonant noise crop in and out of the mix. At the heart of it are body-rumbling bass stabs, which have become something of a signature sound for Breach, and bells that sound slightly muffled as if a coating of wax was applied to them. Where “101” uses odd pads and panning for interest, the weapons of choice in “Somewhere” are sly percussive elements that are almost unnoticeable during the first listen: little things such as wooden clanks or the patter of soft claps bundled together. Unsurprisingly, the glue that holds the track together is made of wide bass stabs, similar to those in the first, and a female vocal sample: a winning formula both Breach and Midland have used in their solo productions. If you’re in the market for a pair of straight shooting house tools then look no further. As the vocal sample on “Somewhere” repeats, it’s a “peace of mind” and you can surely expect that when you pack this release in your bag – bodies will move and shoulders will groove.

Stream: Breach & Midland – Somewhere (Naked Naked)

Breach & Midland’s 101 / Somewhere is available now on Naked Naked.