Tessela is a name to watch for 2012, but perhaps one you may not have heard of before this year. Having a previous release on All City records in the shape of ‘Push’ which was, it is fair to say an absolute blinder of a tune and one which is still being played by dj’s around the country today, his second release is most definitely the one to bring him to the attention of the masses… well, maybe not masses but at least people who like dubstep/garage/house etc.
Being picked up for a sophomore release by Peverelist’s ‘Punch Drunk’ label speaks volumes for this guys talent in music production. It comes as no surprise to learn he shared a house with fellow music producers whilst living in Leeds, one of whom was Ben Hackman who is experiencing, it is fair to say, a slightly meteoric rise to fame that will only continue once his forthcoming album drops. So the influences are clear – dubstep, uk funky, house, garage and a little bit of techno I suppose too.
D-Jane cleverly plays with the uk funky formula adding a sparse garage beat that pans from ear to ear before dropping into a tumbling, staccato affair that has a sub worthy of rattling any subwoofer in any club. Satisfyingly crunchy that track is divided into two distinct sections that play back and forth between the hard initial drop and a more rolling second phase. A droning synth preps the listener for each switch like a fog horn and the track confidently keeps up the energy levels with numerous chops and changes.
Channel is a sun-burnt and texturally interesting track that teases carefully before dropping on an off-beat to add to, whilst at the same time satisfying the build up of tension. Intermittant stabs of hi-hats accented with snare rolls keep the percussion alive, but the bassline is the star of the show. Echoing old Ghost style sub-work and reminiscent of the recent anthem ‘Bax’ by Mosca, the bassline is satisfying and worthy of a purchase on its own. Similar to ‘Push’, Tessela draws for a trancey chord progression to add some melody.
Punch Drunk continue in the same vein as last year with smart, well-made, melody and bass heavy tracks in 2012. Having started 2011 with ‘Like We Used To’ by new boy on the block Khan, its safe to say they’ve entered this year with just as big a bang, and as for Tessela, well, by this time next year I reckon he’ll be well on his way to being able to quit the day job. Top release.
Released:Out Now
Words by Reza Ghazizadeh
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