Sasha - Fleuron Drift - Last Night On Earth
Back on his lauded Last Night On Earth imprint, the Welsh legend that is Sasha returns with the drop of his latest EP, Fleuron Drift. With an illustrious career that spans over 3 decades, Alexander Coe’s unique and liquid take on electronic dance music is as relevant as ever, and Fleurion Drift, a gravity-defying manoeuver that includes superb remixes by Theo Kottis and Kassian, is a most welcomed addition to his fabled catalog.
In its original mix, razor-sharp hi-hats roll over thumping kicks and a strutting bassline as a meandering synth line slithers undetected through them. As the synthetic stabs grow in tension, a tense atmosphere swivels from the background to the forefront before dissipating into thin air, allowing for “Fleuron Drift” to breathe as it resumes its path across its trademark Sasha-esque twists and turns. Devising a sublime breakdown, The Man Like unleashes a hazy and heady maelstrom that spirals down an endless canyon as we’re left in a daze before the Welshman brings it all together for one last night on Earth.
Stepping in hot with a bolder frame and a more colorful approach, Theo Kottis delivers a scrumptious first reinterpretation and, possibly, an unrivaled highlight. Blazing on a throbbing low end, Kottis conjures a myriad of synthetic wails that drive the piece forward before the London-based artist unearths an electric lead that runs straight through washed-out chords with enviable finesse. A hybrid piece that expertly balances house and techno in the right amounts, Theo Kottis’ remix of Sasha’s “Fleuron Drift” is a highly narcotic hit fit for that late-night fix.
Wrapping up Sasha’s latest EP, the legendary pioneer enlists the talents of Kassian, the UK duo comprised of Warren Cummings and Joe Danvers. With a fresher spin, the pair thread an airy narrative spruced with some leftfield flair. Crafting a skitterish frame, Kassian drive across a swelling bassline while melodic shards traverse over crisp vocal chops. Showcasing their metier, the duo allows for every cog in the machine to have its own moment, as they interchange the spotlight in a seemingly delightful game of musical chairs.
While a remnant of a, sadly, bygone era, Sasha’s sound still holds the key to unlocking a forward-thinking future for electronic dance music, and Fleuron Drift is a testament to just that.
Sasha’s Fleuron Drift EP is out now via Last Night On Earth. Find your copy here.
Rating 8.7/10