- Reptant has just released a new 12” on Salt Mines titled Reptilian Magnetism. Reptant, a pseudonym of Lou Karsh, has put out a number of 12”s under the Reptant alias since 2017, in addition to even more under the name Lou Karsh. Whether he’s running his label, raising money for the bushfires, or producing graphic design, he’s doing commendable work. Salt Mines, the label this record is coming out on, is an ‘Australian made’ Berlin label. Appropriately then, Reptant makes focused dance music touching on electro, techno, acid and dub and Reptilian Magnetism is going forcefully in these directions.
The first track, Ghost In The Filter is true to its namesake. The heavy filtering really bends and distorts the bass in the best way possible. Poly stabs come in to accompany the high chirps; the track is now in full effect. Delay and dubby atmospheres lead into a breakdown before the bass seeps in again. It really starts to screech in the last minute! Time Blind goes in a more electro direction, with its delayed sequence leading into an acid line. It develops nicely with dips and peaks, its hypnotising groove floats perfectly. Shermanic Ritual is a personal favourite with its gurgling, rolling bassline. I love the squeaky outro too. The titular Reptilian Magnetism rounds off the EP with a pleasant melodic lead and smooth pads.
This latest batch of tunes was partly inspired by the Sherman Filter Bank, a a piece of filter equipment that can go in acidic directions. Karsh makes great use of it here (and his previous recordings). It’s great to see a producer so prolific and accomplished just as it’s great to see so many Australian producers making there own flavours of dance music at the moment. Lou is up there with Roza Terenzi, Jensen Interceptor, Privacy et al and his prolific output makes his place more certain, with every release.
- Hillfolk.