lostep is…
…A "dreamlike sequence," not a mix album.
…A recording that took over 2 years to make in the studio.
…A synthesis of work between 2 DJs that both Dave Seaman and Sasha quickly snatched singles from and threw into their own mixes!
Step up and recognize a new source of relief in a congested dance world! Lostep is an IDM/Breaks/Deep House collaboration between Luke Chable and Phil K, both native Australian DJs who are on top of their game at the moment. Two of my favorite subtle-sounding breaks releases are Phil K's Y4K release and Balance 004 mix. And Luke just put out a promising session in Renaissance presents Therapy Sessions Vol 2. Coming together to make an "artist" DJ album rather than a typical DJ mix album has never sounded so good. The scary part about this release, "Because We Can," is how true to its name the product rings.
At first I did not know what to expect; in fact my emotions bordered on "scared, doubtful, suspicious" as to how much such a release could captivate my attention. And truly the first few listens were quite bizarre – I wasn't sure if I was hearing an experimental dance/rock album or an excursion into new synthesized noise control. This particular album took about 8 to 10 listens before I finally "got it", but when I did "get it" I think the underground sounds of these talented individuals hit me like a combined package of syncopated beat-bliss!
The album does start off in an experimental vein, with a lull of a track hitting the progressive rock and sound exploration phases mighty well. This may be why it took so long to truly appreciate this album; the humble beginnings trick you into kicking back and relaxing. However, once the true "nu breaks" sounds kick in and the quasi-industrial noise cuts combined with the superior glitchy output and symphonic background, we are all off on a wonderful roller coaster ride into their dreamland.
According to Chable, "we tried some 'concept' tracks and obviously had to make music that would work on the dancefloor as that is where our passion comes from." I am glad they did gear BWC for the floor, because these beats are grounded and they rock hard.
It can be quite challenging to explain a solid breakbeat artist album, and this one goes in several directions. I recall the feeling Emily Dickinson had while experiencing true poetry – like "having one's head chopped off." Well, it's not quite that painful here, but Lostep does take the breaks down a notch, into a more serious and introspective journey. And, one you don't want to miss!
