groove 18 by Hubert Zemler

In 2018, Outlines released a cassette by Polish drummer Hubert Zemler in the groove series dedicated to mixing footwork with dub. Zemler brilliantly dismantled this idea by creating two unique hybrids at 160bpm. So when the idea for a groove series created by drummers came up, it was a natural choice for Outlines owner Pawel Dunajko to approach Zemler to take part in the project.

Groove 18.1, subtitled 'OCD Soundsystem', opens with a completely different register and aesthetic to outlines' previously released groove 8. The track begins with a slow minimalist tempo reminiscent of Andy Stott's deep rhythms. Zemler gradually incorporates individual intensity-enhancing sounds to situate a layered synth loop in the central part of the piece. In the final moment of the recording, against the backdrop of an ever-recurring random phrase, the sounds of piano, bass guitar and an effects-driven voice appear, evoking associations with post-classical music and kosmische musik.

The first part of 'groove 18.2 (Cowboy, Cable TV And Roller Skates)' could appear on any of David Holmes' albums for its illustrative nature. In the second part of the recording, all these cinematic ornaments fade away in favour of raw and hypnotic layers built on short synth phrases. In the last part, the density of the track becomes increasingly intense with a rising culmination abruptly ended by a few single sounds reminiscent of Massive Attack's 'Dissolved Girl'.

Groove 18 is Zemler's own vision and his journey back in time to sounds that evoke some form of vintage sentiment and shards of nostalgia. In contrast to the earlier footwork of Groove 8, the leap into the future is made here with an imagination firmly rooted in the past, revitalising and refreshing it. This allows new musical and surprising associations to emerge, where krautrock and post- classical intermingle with Andy Stott, David Holmes and Massive Attack.

outlines is a searching label. It starts with Chicago Footwork and aims at new forms, outlines and intuitions.

guides, is the more frivolous branch of outlines, where releases are characterised by greater freedom of form.

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