Basic Instinct

“Session Victim debut on Rhythm Section Intl with an EP of understated but highly effective jazzy house rollers“ Having cemented themselves as firm favourites on the Rhythm Section dance-floor over the years, the German duo step forward to present their debut EP on the South London label: “ Basic Instinct” Known for their unparalleled energy when performing live or DJing, Hauke and Matthias fly the flag for sample based, soulful house music and a commitment to the art of Vinyl DJing. With the never-ending search for the perfect beat at the core of what they do, it was no surprise they found a deep affinity with Rhythm Section Intl over years of playing for each other, jamming in the studio and crossing paths at festivals and airports around the world. In short, this record was an inevitable culmination of two passionate, like minded groups, a match made in Heaven and a long time coming! Despite hailing from the techno meccas of Berlin and Hamburg, Session Victim are direct descendants of the German Jazzy House masters, tracing inspiration from the likes of Jazzanova, Soulphiction & Compost Records - the likes of which have gone on to inspire a renaissance of this more soulful sound in German Clubs, spearheaded by labels like Tartelet and Toytonics -the latter of which the duo recently released an EP with. This latest effort on Rhythm Section INTL is a masterclass in restraint, demonstrating a deep understanding of dancefloor dynamics, putting the maxim ‘less is more’ to great effect. The opening track, ‘Trying To Make it Home’ is the most immediately engaging cut: a double bass riff drives along a Kerri Chandler-esque filtered piano pattern which gives way to a soaring Gospel Vocal, allowing the groove to take control as flutes, strings and occasional guitar licks meander in and out of the mix to create a real ‘heads down, arms up’ moment for the dancefloor. After the ecstatic opener, Session Victim settle down to business with the smouldering, understated tension-builders that go on to define the remainder of the record. ‘In And Out’ opens with feather-soft pads which give way to cascading space echoes that draw the listener in ever deeper to the wormhole. The reintroduction of a hihat creates a formidable energy shift in a way not witnessed since the peak of the mid 2000’s minimal boom - just way groovier. ‘Orbits of Dust’, delves deeper still with a dubby introduction broken up with a gently reverberating sax sample giving way to the occasional flourish. Session Victim’s deep house credentials are worn proudly here, as arpeggiated synths introduce a hypnotic bongo pattern in a decidedly celestial manner. ‘AM Continental’ opens up with an eerie, foreboding energy, building tension with swung drums and growling bass and then just hovers…an unorthodox tool for the kind of DJ that likes to tell a story. The Duo round things off in an uplifting fashion with the cinematic ‘SFC (Hommage Mix)’ - a fitting end to the 25 minute journey which cements Session Victim as 2 of the best musical storytellers operating within this realm of music. From the building blocks of samples from a vast record collection, we are welcomed into a deftly crafted musical universe where form meets function, superseded only by passion and expertise. Having been tested on the road by Session Victim and Bradley Zero to rapturous audiences - Rhythm Section are most proud to present this incredible body of work from two old friends. We hope you dig it as much as we do and we can’t wait to welcome the SV boys to the Rhythm Section stage at GALA 2022.