Stephan Hinz – Off Numbers EP [Intec]

Carl Cox label Intec starts 2017 with new look artwork and a hefty release from Stephan Hinz. 2017 is set to be a big one for the Techno focused Intec and with Stephan Hinz coming fresh from a release on Pan-Pots label Second State, he was the perfect choice to kick start the year.

Having also collaborated with Pan-Pot on a track called Tension, Stephan has a proven musical pedigree backed up by his back catalogue of labels, which includes releases on Nicole Moudabers Mood Records and Adam Beyers Drumcode. Returning to Intec for his second sole EP on Carl Cox’s much famed imprint, Stephan has a background in making music for film and this love for cinematics can be heard in his dramatic production style. Whether it’s an explosive and concise live performance, or a vibrant DJ set Stephan Hinz is a master at the controls, and his ever evolving production style fuses a variety of influences.

The release opens with the mechanical rhythms of Off Numbers which has a menacing sense of intent, offset by dark undertones to create a nervous tension and spark frenzied excitement. Brought to life by the rising tones of the grinding bassline and the looped melody, the hard hitting drums make this Techno monster perfect for dark rooms and sweaty dancefloors. Track two titled Shaded is all about the bassline which bellows out from the bottom end to engulf the track in its devastating forward momentum. Patient and purposeful, the structure unfolds with the help of shuffling percussion that clacks and clatters like chains striking concrete, whilst the sinister melody part creates an unsettling sense of exhilaration.