Artist: Hugo Barritt
EP: NYC Cougar
Label: Vitalik Recordings
Release date: 04/05/15
Exhibiting many familiar Barritt traits of understated, spacious percussion fused with menacing vocal samples, this EP continues to go beyond heights reached by his output so far with Vitalik Recordings. NYC Cougar being his third full EP release with this label, Barritt's signature style has certainly shaped the overall soundscape of the label, thus the sound we hope to hear consistently this summer in Ibiza.
NYC Cougar kicks off with subtle percussion accompanied by erratic layers of hypnotic vocal snippets, crafting an ethereal groove. Kismet then bridges the gap carefully between Rui Da Silva's missing beat remix and Soulade's remix of Verlassen Dauncey. The track nails a similar template to NYC Cougar although airy synths in the foreground add warmth.
The standout feature of this EP has to be the extended breakdown of Verlassen Dauncey as the mesmeric, distorted synths are upheld by thick kicks before introducing Soulade's acid twist on the original. As the remix unfolds, Soulade launches a serpentine bass line balancing the heightened otherworldly layers in contrast to the original; the latter instantly feels familiar with a distinctly old school flavour.
On the whole, this EP is even more absorbing and meditative than his earlier work. We can only hope Barritt and this label continue to deliver this distinct sound we have learned to revel in only too well.
WORDS | Erin McDermott
Tracklist:
01. NYC Cougar
02. NYC Cougar (Rui Da Silva Missing Beats Remix)
03. Kismet
04. Verlassen Dauncey
05. Verlassen Dauncey (Soulade Remix)
