Utilizing classic vocal samples and old-school Chicago sounds is pretty commonplace nowadays, but when the attention paid to these elements is as on-point as Reilly Steel‘s is on “Heart Beat,” it sounds less like just another fish in the electronic music pond. The SF-based producer comes off a bit like Jacques Greene in his deployment of seductively arranged synthesizers and desperately longing vocal edits, but what really jumps out about Steel’s work here is the clattering, syncopated rimshot that refuses to stay put. Its restless pitch shifting adds an interesting pseudo-hook to the track’s main breakdown, which helps lock the listener in for the remainder of the jam. “Heart Beat” is part of a free collection that Steel dropped today, called Post-Pillow Talk Vol. 1 and featuring four more sharply polished tunes. You can stream the release after the jump, or just download it here.

Heart Beat