Darren Tate - Tokyo/Vespers

Veteran London trance producer Darren Tate returns with this intriguing new 2 track EP, ahead of his forthcoming Horizons 03 album, scheduled to drop later in the year.
 
As the title might suggest, the A-side Tokyo has an oriental air to it, with a mysterious bassline and sliding percussion. Don’t be fooled by the slow build up as just shy of the 2-minute mark the track bursts into life with a slick change of phase which introduces a nagging riff which floats above the bassline. The first break ushers in a very Japanese style melody which gradually reverbs into nothing as he forces the bouncy kick back in. the melody returns in all its glory at the main break, which has that epic Tate touch to it, with a very subtle vocal sample sparingly used too.
 
Vespers has a harder edge to the kick, and the melody is introduced far earlier which works much better, with its floaty euphoric quality. The bouncy bassline is offset well by the punchy electro jabs which support the melodies. A chilling piano sequence and ethnic style vocal sample fill out the main break, until a break beat and teasing hi-hat kick in.