acme: rhythm of life

The DBH Music crew continue to spread excellent vibes through their multitude of labels, this time bringing ACME, the alias for Jörg Henze and Jerome Isma-Ae, to the fore, with three tracks on this latest 12", the 10th in the DBH Music label series. Originally released back in 1996 on Delirium Records, the Rhythm Of Life 12" swaps hands for high prices, so the tracks are being given a new boost and a new home via DBH Music. The title of each track is the same, numbered 1-3, so as not to mess with standard procedure, let's begin at number 1! A supremely cleanly-produced track as you're every likely to hear, this is effortlessly and immediately engaging. The drums are crisp and stick to a steady flowing percussive rhythm, the bassline sits perfectly underneath the drums, with a flowing synth line which undulates and flanges as the track glides along its ultra-warm path. Version 2 retains the same bassline as version 1, but the synths are taken out and a flowing pad runs through the track instead, with the drums just slightly pared back in the mix. Essentially a deeper dub of version 1, this would be ideal as a blending/mixing tool to add an acapella to, or perhaps elements of another track over the top. Or simply play it as it is, with all its deep and spacey bass-heavy glory, as it's perfect just like that. Version 3 has a reworked stuttering bassline, with an altered percussive backing, the high tom sounds really pulsing through the speakers. The synth is back on this version, but is tweaked slightly and works as a delicious stabby refrain running through the main section of the track. A high-string sound pierces through occasionally, another reminder of that warm 90s club sound. With the emphasis here on the percussion and bass overall, this version, as with version 1, is a real pleasure to listen to and closes off the 12" in wonderfully chunky style. A brilliant EP all round and a dream for both the deeper House DJ and dancefloor dweller alike, plus an excellent piece of licensing from the DBH crew.