★★★★
Robert Dietz’s first release of 2013 saw him produce a five track EP on German-based label Running Back. Eponymous opener ‘Common’ is a stand out, its tight bassline dropping into the rolling percussion and leading the track into an uplifting medley of piano keys, layered strings and vocal stabs. The key here is the constant layering of textures. ‘Nostaljack’ is the heaviest hitting of the EP, whilst reverb on the percussion gives a sense of space throughout, and drums add deep rhythm to a female vocal sample which filters in and out. The raw old school synth, sitting comfortably on top with subtle low-tone bleeps, adds some real color.
‘Interrude’ is a pleasant, stripped-back piece with a wavering synth, in stark contrast to ‘Doul’, which shows Robert’s darker side with this slow-tempo, moody builder, something which would of been a fitting end to this EP. However he fires back with ‘Common Riddim’, an alternative version of ‘Common’, focusing on a rumbling bassline and retaining only the original’s vocal chops.
Overall Common is a solid EP from Robert Dietz, exploring his taste and sound with 5 impressive house offerings.
By John Hill
Running Back | August | Format: vinyl, digital
