Simon Garcia - Ataraxia [Poker Flat]

Ataraxia: “a state of serene calmness” – and a most appropriate title for two tracks that exemplify Simon Garcia’s singular vision of house music’s hypnotic potential. In the wake of his residency at Madrid’s MOTEL club, a packed international touring schedule and high praise from a variety of personalities including Laurent Garnier, Garcia lands for a second time on Poker Flat riding the crest of a wave.

The driving thud of the kick drum and the rhythmic cymbals provide the bedrock for a slow crescendo of drones and paralleled pulsing synths. Skillfully, layer upon layer is added to the mix to achieve an intoxicating, resonant transfiguration. Eschewing the easy tricks of big builds and breakdowns, it’s an exercise in serenity through meditative repetition.

‘A Hot Drink In The Desert’ evokes a tropical sensation with its lively rhythm and dancing xylophone. Soon, this is cut across by Hitchcock-esque high-frequency drones, ominous piano stabs, and undulating bass tones, taking the tune into unsettling soundtrack territory – a delightfully mysterious and creepy groove.