Berlin-Hamburg duo Session Victim bring their celebrated "Sidequests" trilogy to a close with "Chapter Three" on Delusions Of Grandeur, wrapping up the series in signature style - full of warmth, groove and left-of-center touches that remind us why their music has remained so enduring over nearly two decades.
Once again blurring the lines between live instrumentation, crate-digging textures and deep house aesthetics, the record feels like both a culmination and a new beginning.
Opening the A-side, "Too Soft To Be Loud" with Viken Arman finds German house pioneer Ian Pooley reworking the original into a sleek, floor-focused roller. Shuffling drums, glowing synth pads, and that distinctive Pooley touch elevate the track into prime late-night territory, striking a balance between hypnotic subtlety and groove-driven energy.
Following on, "Know Less" with Viken Arman again, showcases the magic of Session Victim’s continued collaboration with the French producer. A heady, slow-burning cut that layers dreamy strings, glitchy keys, and a syncopated bassline, the track unfolds patiently, rewarding deep listeners with moments of spacious beauty and understated intensity.
Flipping over, "Broken Coast" (still with Viken Arman!) heads into cinematic territory, combining driving drums, delicate Rhodes fragments, and immersive atmospherics. There’s a mysterious, almost soundtrack-like quality here, capturing the ominous mood of an after dark stroll around NYC’s Central Park in the 70’s, while maintaining the unmistakable swing of Session Victim’s grooves.
Closing out the trilogy in style – "Rain Or Shine" introduces a new collaboration with rising producer Eo, weaving together intricate downtempo rhythms and jazzy vocal chops. Balancing lightness and depth, the track grooves along effortlessly giving off a sun-soaked energy. An uplifting finale to the Sidequests journey.
With Chapter Three, Session Victim deliver yet another set of genre-defying pieces that honor their deep musical roots while pointing toward fresh possibilities. Their chemistry with long-time collaborators, coupled with the ever-trusted Delusions Of Grandeur platform, ensures the "Sidequests" trilogy will stand as a modern classic in their discography.
Once again blurring the lines between live instrumentation, crate-digging textures and deep house aesthetics, the record feels like both a culmination and a new beginning.
Opening the A-side, "Too Soft To Be Loud" with Viken Arman finds German house pioneer Ian Pooley reworking the original into a sleek, floor-focused roller. Shuffling drums, glowing synth pads, and that distinctive Pooley touch elevate the track into prime late-night territory, striking a balance between hypnotic subtlety and groove-driven energy.
Following on, "Know Less" with Viken Arman again, showcases the magic of Session Victim’s continued collaboration with the French producer. A heady, slow-burning cut that layers dreamy strings, glitchy keys, and a syncopated bassline, the track unfolds patiently, rewarding deep listeners with moments of spacious beauty and understated intensity.
Flipping over, "Broken Coast" (still with Viken Arman!) heads into cinematic territory, combining driving drums, delicate Rhodes fragments, and immersive atmospherics. There’s a mysterious, almost soundtrack-like quality here, capturing the ominous mood of an after dark stroll around NYC’s Central Park in the 70’s, while maintaining the unmistakable swing of Session Victim’s grooves.
Closing out the trilogy in style – "Rain Or Shine" introduces a new collaboration with rising producer Eo, weaving together intricate downtempo rhythms and jazzy vocal chops. Balancing lightness and depth, the track grooves along effortlessly giving off a sun-soaked energy. An uplifting finale to the Sidequests journey.
With Chapter Three, Session Victim deliver yet another set of genre-defying pieces that honor their deep musical roots while pointing toward fresh possibilities. Their chemistry with long-time collaborators, coupled with the ever-trusted Delusions Of Grandeur platform, ensures the "Sidequests" trilogy will stand as a modern classic in their discography.
STAFF COMMENTS
Matt says: The DOG revival continues in earnest with label stalwarts Session Victim joined by German house royalty Ian Pooly for some typically buoyant house jaunts. Perfect for the mid-session, with a busy and bustling dancefloor, eyes-wide-shut and not a care in the world. When's the weekend again?!TRACK LISTING
A1. Too Soft To Be Loud /w Viken Arman (Ian Pooley Remix)
A2. Know Less /w Viken Arman
B1. Broken Coast /w Viken Arman
B2. Rain Or Shine /w Eo