[Echocord Colour]

While no proper affiliation exists between Detroit’s Echospace and Denmark’s Echocord, there is certainly an interesting volley of ideas taking place between the two like-minded labels. Both champion a sonorous mid-tempo dub style, and, with the recent launch of the sub-label Echocord Colour, both please collectors with lush transparent records. But while the former favors muffled bass kicks and swishing ambience, the latter keeps the dance floor a bit closer to its heart. On “Campire Dialogue,” the second release on Echocord Colour, Luke Hess and Marko Fürstenberg keep the beats punchy and the vibe tight, but hold onto the cavernous imagery that’s given the “echo” variety of dub so much staying power.

With “Platte,” Luke Hess dabbles in house a bit more than usual. Rather than plodding and monotonous, the beat is rather funky, with snares and hand claps slowly building a nice groove as the track waxes on. Unlike the hard-edged “Believe and Receive,” Hess’ 2007 release on Kontra-Musik, the cool atmosphere and smooth production style of “Platte” make it ripe for spins by Sebo K or Efdemin. “Site 312,” on the other hand, has a greater forward momentum to it. A somber dub warble introduces the track, drifting back and forth while drums and half melodies slide in underneath. The synths get rougher and the energy level climbs as things progress; and despite the modest tempo and a hint of bongos near the end, it’s still more straightforward and techno-oriented than the A-side. Neither track strays too far from established dub techno formulas, but are nonetheless quite pleasing. Much like Brandon Moeller’s recent efforts, they summon a refreshing dub breeze without letting the vibe slacken, and both size up well with each artist’s catalog (“Platte” is my favorite by Hess thus far). With the added bonus of transparent orange vinyl, “Campfire Dialogue” makes for an easy purchase at the record shop.