Gatto (aka Frank Jackson) returns to 3Bridge for his 2nd release of 2017. It’s an EP of meticulously programmed tech house meant for those dark fog machine riddled dance floors.
‘Rumble’ kicks things off with typewriter type mechanical rhythms that drive the track while effected synths rise and fall out of the mix. There’s a very well known spoken word sample in here which people might recognize, and it adds a sense of fun to the proceedings. It’s a stomper of a song and will get people moving. The ‘Bad Ass Beats Mix’ uses a bit of a different sound palette but it’s no less energetic. There’s a homage to older techno here, note the sequenced whistles that happen during it. Tribal type percussion is the main ingredient here, with a groovy bass line intact.
Title track ‘Checkmate’ has a bit of 2000s Bedrock sound to it with more updated sounds and structures. Cleanly programmed drums propel it forward while sprinkles of atmospheric synths, peppered with claps and fills keep the energy going. A melodic hook pulls you in and doesn’t let go until the end.
This EP is essential for anyone’s crate, regardless of the style you play.
