Stream: Imre Kiss “Raw Energy” (exclusive)

10 Jul 2014 — Henning Lahmann

It is mainly thanks to the still criminally overlooked yet consistently excellent and reliable Eastern Daze that we're aware of the exciting things happening east of Berlin, as we all too often almost ritualistically turn our gaze towards London and New York and whatever else we may find in the west. Of course, there was S Olbricht's compelling contribution to Opal Tape's catalogue, but that Budapest's electronic music deserves our close attention first became obvious when Farbwechsel emerged from the shadows, a label that by now has almost become a synonym for the Hungarian capital's ascending scene. Not only putting out S Olbricht's superb The Last Act of Dorothy Stratten, it is also the home of the first cassette by Budapest producer Imre Kiss.

With the tape’s strong blend of zeitgeist-informed, muffled textures evoking cinematic impressions and impulsive beat patterns reminiscent of Legowelt and other luminaries of the Clone/L.I.E.S. school of gritty dance music, it was only a matter of time until someone from more exposed shores would take notice. Prolific and rising fresh London imprint Lobster Theremin came first to pick up Imre Kiss and release his Raw Energy EP, a 12” that’s every bit as compelling as the producer’s debut effort. The five tracks cover a wide sonic range from more introspective, calm soundscapes to straight-up 4/4 ‘floor bangers, all knit together with a satisfying degree of coherence.

Raw Energy is out on July 14. Stream it in full exclusively below and pre-order a copy over here.