RDS - Suite

RDS plumbs the depths of analogue texture on his Kalahari debut proper. Following a guest appearance on Eversines’ ‘Plooi’ EP, the Amsterdam artist returns to explore the more expansive integers of his hi-tech sound across four deftly crafted tracks.It's exactly the sort of enveloping, sophisticated material we’ve come to expect from a De Lichting member.

Straight deep space manoeuvres on the opener. Setting billowing widescreen pads against solid, tight groove, ‘2312’ feels as if it’s escaping the eye of some turbulent solar event. Then, landing with a sensitivity absent from the harsh climes of its predecessor, ‘BBsuite’ leaps from translunar to tenderness with dappled keys and lithe breakbeat intricacy. Saying that, there’s still something undeniably explorative and sc-fi in its mood, almost reminiscent of Orbital or Future Sound of London.

There’s more refined deepness on the flip, starting with ‘Silky’s supple, slinky flex. Forlorn, exquisitely widescreen ambient techno, it treads between the warm optimism of early Detroit modes and a certain somber melancholia. And finally, ‘Autechrein’ finds RDS smudging his palette on a dusty, downtempo overhaul of the after-hours formula.