Session Victim - Sidequests Chapter Three [Delusions Of Grandeur]

Format: 12" in printed sleeve.

Berlin-Hamburg duo Session Victim close out their celebrated Sidequests trilogy with Chapter Three on Delusions Of Grandeur, signing off on the series in their trademark style: warmth, groove, and unexpected twists that are a reminder why their music has endured for nearly two decades. Once again blurring the boundaries between live instrumentation, crate-dug textures and deep house aesthetic, the record feels as much like a culmination as a fresh start.

Opening up the A-side, “Too Soft To Be Loud (Ian Pooley Remix)” finds German house pioneer Ian Pooley remaking the original into a sleek, floor-focused roller. Driving drums, luminous pads and Pooley’s unmistakable touch elevate the track into prime late-night territory, balancing hypnotic subtlety with groove-driven energy.

On A2, “Know Less” ft. Viken Arman showcases the magic of Session Victim’s continued collaboration with the French producer. A dense, slow-burning cut layering ethereal strings, glitchy keys, and a syncopated bassline; the track unfolds with patience and rewards close listening with moments of spacious beauty and contained intensity.

Flipping over the record, B1 – “Broken Coast” ft. Viken Arman drifts into cinematic territory, combining firm drums, delicate Rhodes fragments, and immersive atmospheres. There’s a mysterious, almost soundtrack-like quality that captures the ominous mood of a 70’s Central Park night stroll, while still retaining the unmistakable swing of Session Victim’s grooves.

Closing out the trilogy with elegance, “Rain Or Shine” introduces a fresh collaboration with San Francisco beatmaker Eo (Moniker / Circus Company), weaving intricate downtempo rhythms and jazzy vocal chops. Balancing lightness and depth, the track flows effortlessly with a sun-drenched energy – a luminous close to the Sidequests journey.

With Chapter Three, Session Victim deliver another set of genre-defying pieces, honouring their deep musical roots whilst pointing towards new possibilities. Their chemistry with long-standing collaborators, coupled with the ever-reliable platform of Delusions Of Grandeur, ensures the Sidequests trilogy is cemented as a modern classic within their discography.