The Red Hunter by Steffi
Continuing to pursue the rougher edges of deep House and Techno
Fourth solo album from the Dutch producer continues her pursuit of the rougher edges of deep House and Techno. Listening to older tracks, like the tasteful Deep Pop of Yours (with Virginia on vocals) or Different Entities with the eerie ghost of Boards of Canada lingering in the shadows or the sub-Acid vibes on Kokkie and Electro thunder on Cease To Exist, one thing rings true: Steffi remains a diligent producer with a knack for subtle, earwormy rhythms and a light touch.
In contrast to the deep House vibes of 2011's debut solo album Yours & Mine, the ten tracks on The Red Hunter are rugged and brawny. North Facing Shade is a fine example with its insistent two-note bass line and ricocheting beats. On Tragedy Turns To Comedy, the same form of dislocated bass is balanced with her trademark haunting synths. Elsewhere, vocals may be used (on South Facing Brightness and Lasting Lovers?) but Virginia it ain't; they've been manipulated beyond the point of recognition. Occasionally, a sense of familiarity resonates so strongly (on tracks like Agent Of Change or Irreversible Cessation) it feels like our heroine has unfastened her girdle and reverted to autopilot, but all in: a strong effort.