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“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 Toy Tonics - 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.

Off the back of an epic 3 part triple album “Sidequests”, Session Victim kept the collaborators in tow with “The Disconnect” EP, featuring the talents of Kenneth Scott, Rossano Snel, and Quarion across 5 tracks. It’s the Empire Strikes Back of Rhythm Section EPs – following up from widely acclaimed and best seller “Basic Instinct”. Balancing funk elements of breakbeats, bass guitar, rhodes and mellow synths with finessed modern production, the duo have assembled another masterclass in precise yet characterful house music.

The record begins with “Hey, Activate!”, oozing funk, ambient pads, a groove bassline and optimal arpeggiated synth noodling sets the tone for the whole EP. “Dream Theory” is quite it’s namesake, with a distant sax solo, tremolo sine motifs and a sumptuous lick combining piano and the Session Victim trademark bass guitar.

B-side opener “Flotsam” comes through with smooth breaks and incidental style sampling harking back to the vibes of Herbert, with slow filtered chord groove referencing the vibes of early French Touch masterminds Cassius.

Progressing into more relaxed territory, still ideal for dancefloor moments: “Open Minds” is indebted to old soul jams with bongos, muted guitars and rhodes followed by “Loom”, using similar elements with a vibe akin to early Bonobo.

This EP is testament to Session Victim’s mastery of housemusic, being their 40th EP and standing firm in a crowded scene. Their consistent application of production precision is carried by an emotional heart of gold that you can hear in every record they make. Not to be missed.