The Gift EP features 3 tracks, the original, the Jeff Samuel Remix and a B-side, ‘Rich man’. One of the things I’ve come to love about minimal is the intricate lack of sound, rather than belting out the heaviest bass lines possible and slamming them into an ill fitting melody. Phonique’s mix of the track exhibits simple bass lines, well placed high hats and beautiful melodies. The track bounces into a semi tribal semi industrial instrumental before sliding in the subtle melodic undertones that make this track so special. If you like this then probably Zentex, Rekleiner or possibly Axel Bartsch would be on your playlist as well. there’s no breakdown as such, more musical transitions which help the flow and interest in the track. In my mind this would be a perfect early night track to turn heads.

The remix, offered by American national Jeff Samuel seems to have more groove and depth to the track. leading with a much heaver bassline the melody is sometimes lost behind it and the synth screams. thought a more driving track, i feel he may have in some small way lost the feel of the original and attempted to take on a very different tone. again this track doesn’t have a definite breakdown the pseudo breakdowns don’t carry the same emotion of the original. a more slamming remix for slightly later in the night to really screw with heads :)

Rich man is a bouncy, yet more melody driven track to finish off the EP. Phonique’s ability to create these simple stab style melodies over the top of sweeping synth’s and almost jungle midrange beats is pulls off quite a unique sound for the producer. All in all a nice way to end off what is a great EP from Phonique.

If you love your house big room and gritty, then this may not be for you, but the release from simple records is filled with 3 solid tracks that will have the glitch house lovers movin’ and shakin’ as we move into a brand spankin’ new Sydney summer.