inner worlds by joel west

Vancouver's Joel West joins the Woodwork Roster with this beautiful two-tracker that brings with it a stand-out remix by Jay Tripwire. These two prominent Vancouver techno personalities truly manage to craft a chunky and emotive release greater than the sum of its parts.

The title track 'inner worlds' exemplifies sophistication and elegance in the realm of deep minimal techno. From the off, it feels instantly profound in content and delivery. Striking sound choice in the sparse elements combined with lush undertones run their course in this expertly crafted arrangement, strongly reminiscent of the deeper sounds coming from a label such as Poker Flat.

'Knock' however, takes the energy level up a notch and brings us into a unique realm somewhere between classic detroit and modern techno. The intensity is high from start to finish, with undeniably dope house hits supported by a pounding robust kick and gliding waves of that techno staple, the 909 ride cymbal. Punchy toms and minimal synth hits build a counter-groove slotted perfectly into a stuttering tambourine line.

Jay Tripwire supports this already mighty effort with a stunning, meditative electro take on 'inner worlds'. The pensive, sectional melody and velveteen pads of the original track remain the focal point, but are further highlighted and frequently solo'ed in the mix. Around that steady framework, Tripwire gets busy with some low-rider subliminal acid, and fantastic 808 beat theatrics, with a sprinkling of his characteristic analog delay feedback artistry.

Co-founder of label & producer collective, Groundwerk Vancouver, Joel West builds a strong & supportive presence in Canada's techno landscape. With a residency at Gorgomish Afterhours & regular appearances at numerous clubs & events, Joel consistently crafts a statement with his dynamic DJ sets & releases on labels such as Superfreq, East Van Digital, Nuevadark, Cuete, Groundwerk & Air Texture.