Levon Vincent – Stereo Systems

Label: Novel Sound – NS-07
Format: Vinyl, 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, White Label
Country: US
Released: Dec 4, 2012
Genre: Electronic
Style: House, Techno
Condition: Very Good+

There has always been a thin veil of mystery that has been perpetually shrouded over Levon Vincent. The quintessential DJ’s DJ, the chin stroking appreciation that greets his tracks with such names as ‘Invisible Bitchslap’ and ‘Woman Is The Devil’ has slowly but surely been eking its way into the UK music scene for the past couple of years, culminating in his series-defining entry into the Fabric mix series.

‘Stereo Systems’ kicks proceedings off in hypnotic fashion. Vincent has built a reputation for producing precise, clean yet effective house and techno productions and this track’s intricate nature comes as no surprise, if a little on the crystallized side without much development over its ten minute duration. Unwilling to bow down to any cheap thrills, Vincent’s demand for complete attention from the listener encourages us to absorb every sonic detail. Every fractured snare, every shimmering hat.

‘Together Forever’ is easily the most abrasive tracks of the three on offer. Whilst approached at a different angle, the Vincent hallmarks are still indelibly present. The magnetic subtlety, glassy kicks that sound simultaneously fragile and fierce, with accompanying howls of reverb and delays make it an intoxicating and throbbing experience, but also one that has a habit of drawing you back in. It’s unforgiving production that keeps on giving, albeit in small, hard-to-find forms. And all the more rewarding for it.

A. Stereo Systems
B1. Together Forever
B2. Speck's Jam