John Bemis
Web Producer
@bemiscourant
Banner by Innes MacKenzie
Since the 80’s R&S Records has remained less of an imprint and more of an artistic barometer across dance music scenes. While classic equestrian logo is a good indicator of satisfaction-guaranteed electronica, it has more so historically represented a haven for already established artists to try things out without the confines and implications of their usual realm. The latest track from Chilean electronica pundit Nicolas Jaar is no exception.
Jaar’s been all over the map after abandoning the club music format in around 2011; five hour long improvised sets, cacophonous boiler room performances, releasing experimentals under his “Other People” imprint, and his brief yet successful collab with Brooklyn guitarist Dave Harrington have kept him exploring since. ‘Fight’, another single in his “Nymphs” series, proves that he can return to his fun, grooving roots without sacrificing his sweeping views of what dance music can be.
The synths that bubble through the intro captivate before chopped and screwed vocal samples lend a friendly reminder of his brilliant sense of space. Soon the cocktail spills over into a more fun, energetic zone that still retains a dark intensity. Nicolas has once again managed to move into new spaces with chameleonic comfortability, yet the new hues come from the same, moody tone of early releases. He’s established himself as a strong aesthete in house music, it’s no surprise that he’s focusing less on expanding his range than with perfecting what he already knows how to do; the work is done, it’s time to have fun.
