Session Victim - Basic Instinct [Rhythm Section International]

Session Victim debut on Rhythm Section Intl with an EP of elegant yet highly effective jazzy house cuts.

Having cemented themselves as Rhythm Section dancefloor favourites over the years, the German duo step up to present their first EP on the South London imprint - ‘Basic Instinct’. Known for their unrivalled energy across their live or DJ performances, Hauke and Matthias represent soulful, sample-based house music and are committed to the craft of vinyl DJing. With the endless quest for the perfect groove at the core of what they do, it came as no surprise that they found a deep affinity with Rhythm Section Intl after years of playing together, jamming in the studio, and crossing paths at festivals and airports across the globe. In short, this record was an inevitable culmination of two passionate, like-minded groups, a perfect, long-overdue pairing.

Despite hailing from techno meccas Berlin and Hamburg, Session Victim are direct descendants of German Jazzy House masters, drawing inspiration from artists such as Jazzanova, Soulphiction, and Compost Records; who have inspired a resurgence of this more soulful sound in German clubs, led by labels like Tartelet and Toytonics, the latter of whom the duo recently released an EP with.

This latest effort on Rhythm Section INTL is a masterful work of restraint, demonstrating a deep understanding of dance floor dynamics and applying the adage ‘less is more’ to great effect. The first track, ‘Trying To Make it Home,’ is the most captivating of all: a double bass riff drives a filtered, Kerri Chandler-esque piano pattern that gives way to an emotive gospel vocal, allowing the groove to take over as flutes, strings, and at times guitar licks mix to create an authentic moment of dancefloor ecstasy.

After the euphoric opener, Session Victim focus on building tight, sophisticated tracks that define the rest of the record. ‘In And Out’ begins with soft pads that give way to spacious echoes that draw the listener deeper and deeper into the wormhole. The reintroduction of a hi-hat creates a formidable shift in energy, reminiscent of the heyday of noughties minimal, but with a far more infectious groove.

‘Orbits of Dust’ delves further into a dub atmosphere, with a gently reverberating saxophone introduction that gives way to occasional splashes. Session Victim’s solid deep house credentials stand out here, as arpeggiated synths introduce a hypnotic bongo pattern in a celestial manner.

‘AM Continental’ begins with an unsettling, menacing energy, building tension with syncopated rhythms and a grumpy bassline, and then just floats… an unconventional tool for the kind of DJ who likes to tell a story.

The duo close encouragingly with the evocative ‘SFC (Hommage Mix)’ - a fitting end to the 25-minute journey that cements Session Victim as two of the best musical storytellers within this musical realm. Building from sampled foundations of a comprehensive record collection, we are welcomed into a skilfully constructed musical universe where form meets function, surpassed only by passion and experience.

Having been road-tested by Session Victim and Bradley Zero to enthusiastic audiences, Rhythm Section is proud to present this incredible work by two old friends. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.