There’s really only one common element that runs across the three tracks of the Horizon EP, Ejeca‘s latest on Needwant. That shared piece is the high-pitched whine of a synthesized string set to a one-note drone—the same suspense-inducing sound that’s tied many ’90s-house records together. It’s ubiquitous presence is understandable, as the London-based producer’s short career has so far been characterized by a creative, Ableton-enabled appropriation of retro house and garage. His latest offers more of the same, and that’s hardly a bad thing.
“Genocide,” “dinner time,” or—more likely—”anytime,” rings the repeated vocal sample at the core of the full-throttle titular a-side. The most unabashedly retro moment on the release, it rides its tough, Kerri Chandler-esque bassline with help from a Korg M1 organ and heavily swung-out stab samples. If the song were its sound palette alone, it might seem dated. However, the track’s contemporary song structure, complete with ravey breakdowns and euphoric build-ups, prevents it from being a mere simulation of the period its aesthetic is imported from. It’s an incredibly slick cut, the grit of its references replaced by a round-edged perfection that’s not entirely welcome.
Contrasting that is “Dazed,” the highlight of the EP. Unlike the flip, it’s an almost minimal workout that blends house fetishism with atmospherics lifted from dancefloor-oriented dub-techno. It starts off in the deep end, with an uncomplicated drum pattern playing support for a methodical, bell-toned bassline. A drop at 2:30 gives way to a chamber of stuttering yelps, delayed stabs, and jacked-out hi-hats. It’s simple and effective, the kind of track that’ll win dancers over even though it might take a subtler route.
Doubled-up bass drums and disembodied vocals characterize the feeling of “See Through You.” It’s a denser track, with a focus that’s carried off the dancefloor by a narcotic rush of pads. The beat here is almost broken, utilizing swung-out jazz snares and rapid-fire blasts of kick. Yet there’s nothing to grab onto; compared to the EP’s other two tracks, it lacks a standout element. It’s really the record’s only misstep, reminiscent of a less-complex version of “You,” the collaborative track Ejeca released with Bicep earlier this year. However, this doesn’t detract too much from the quality of the overall release, as “Horizon” and “Dazed” both make the Horizon EP a worthy listen for those looking for a uniquely modern take on the house sound of the past.
