Kassian - Crush EP

February 19, 2021 - Shall Not Fade

Warren Cummings and Joe Danvers are here as Kassian, primed for their Shall Not Fade debut. The London-based duo has been working steadily the past few years with releases on Heist Recordings and the Phonica Records White imprint along with a slew of gigs prior to the Big Gig Shutdown of 2020. The pair offer their own take on dance music on the Crush EP, combining traditional house sentiments with fresh, nuanced rhythmic structures and weighty samples, all wrapped up in layers of crisp production.

Kassian stretch and flex their deeper muscles on ‘All I Know’ and ‘Eastern Arps,’ fleshing out samples against heavy basslines and bouncy percussion. These are sunset tracks, perfect for rooftops and basements alike, primed to engage and energize. The pair have mastered the art of the tease, pulling back the lower frequencies, beat, or melody at just the right moment to give the listener that little tingle when they return. ‘Nuances’ takes these elements and dials the energy back a bit, transitioning from sundown to late nite, a moment of respite. 

The EP’s namesake ‘Crush’ takes things in a different direction, with subtle melodic swells up against loose distortion and swung, jazz-like rhythmic motifs. It’s a bouncy affair, but not overly sunny, instead sticking to the shadows. The bassline takes up a bit of a French touch sensibility part way through, adding to the moodiness. ‘Decades’ takes this and runs with it, lights out, sweat dripping, strobe flashing. There’s nuance here though, as Kassian keep the feeling under control and manageable. 

All in this is a sharp project from the relatively new newcomers. There is a clear sense of collaboration, but the lines between the pair are hard to pick out; ideas flow and change and form anew. We’re looking forward to the next one. 🍍