Theo Kottis - Rain [CWPT]

After spending the last decade evolving into one of dance music's most sublimely effective producers, CWPT are delighted to welcome Theo Kottis at the very cusp of his powers, presenting four additional tracks that prove a playful mastery of panoramic sounds for awestruck dancefloors.

Catching the still-shining light from his much-loved ‘Lighthouse’ – finally released earlier in 2024 via Dekmantel and elevated to notoriety thanks to the support of trusted selectors like Ben UFO, Francesco Del Garda, and our own Palms Trax – the main track ‘Rain’ maintains an equally dazzling nineties reverence, finding ecstasy in a torrent of cascading synths, powerful sub-bass drops, and layers upon layers of elasticity throughout.

The Scottish producer’s positive schooling in the fundamentals of club music with real personality manifests unapologetically; a belief in the subtle adjustments and imagination of classic tech-house, alongside a welcome flirtation with the overblown elements that create something potentially anthemic. In this respect, ‘Benirras’ proves to be pure pleasure for dancers who love to be toyed with, its stripped-back opening giving way to a slowly building, jaw-wobbling hysteria.

On the flip, ‘Grazie’ proves as heartfelt as its title, a warm and refined display of chic house minimalism, a roller with Alfa Romeo sensibilities. Things take a more aquatic turn on ‘Lowkey’, a logically introspective closer that sees Kottis sensuously bouncing the word ‘electro’ in that very style, its slower tempo and wider space allowing the impressive intricacies of his productions to surface for fresh air.