What’s incredibly great about Lost Trax is that the choice of remaining anonymous since 2006 has not once been a hype tool or more in the limelight than the actual music that is produced. Of course theories were brought forward and speculations were made but it wasn’t till 2010 where they stated in a small interview that Lost Trax was just a small collective of producers, each with their own individual musical projects who get together on occasions to work on music when the inspiration arises. With a joint love for the Roland TR-808, the music produced is often a mould of Detroit influenced techno and classic electro with a great nod to Underground Resistance involved. Since their much lauded ‘The Saturiun System’ debut on Carl ‘Silicon Scally’ Finlow’s SCSI-AV label back in 2006 the group took an extensive four year break before returning with a follow up on the same label. Since then they’ve found a more frequent home sharing split releases with Dutch producers The Connection Machine on Tabernacle Records, which has previously released much sought after records from the likes of Trackmaster Lou and John Heckle. Their first venture of 2013 sees them return once again to Tabernacle, this time on a 12″ of their own in the form of the Hidden Agenda EP.
On the A-side, title track “Hidden Agenda” drops the often emotive sound palette and semi-ambient, spacey dynamics from previous releases and rallies in a more raw and stripped back techno vibe amidst subtle escalating drones. An assortment of rolling snares and big room room kicks drive the track whilst a clean acid line tethers the track together for comfortable club use. The track could almost be said to lend a similar likeness to Midland’s “Trace” yet with added acid goodness and a more busy set of percussion, which is why we see Hidden Agenda proving more popular with DJs than say certain other tracks in the Lost Trax back catalogue. Whilst Hidden Agenda may have these qualities it would however be quite hard pressed to call it the better track of the release. On the B-side, “Creatures” is the more likely esoteric contender to take that title. Returning to the melodic signature sound from past records, Lost Trax merge high grade electronic rhythms and deep space psychedelics whilst wandering through a beautiful arrangement of ear warming and mournful synthesis. However, whether it can stand the test of time as well as the “The Saturiun System” is something we’ll have to get back to you on in six years time.
Stream: Lost Trax – Hidden Agenda (Tabernacle Records)
Lost Trax’s ‘Hidden Agenda’ is available now on Tabernacle Records.
