Dense and Pika

Whether the more house-ish tinges on Dense and Pika's third outing for Hotflush reflect a permanent shift from their DJ-tool techno remains to be seen. What is clear is that Colt, with its uncharacteristically broad sound palette, is a statement beyond any of the London, UK-based duo's previous releases. The results are mixed. At their high points, Dense and Pika manage to craft moments of simultaneous euphoria and melancholy; however, stretches of this EP sound overcrowded and rushed. The title track simply squeezes a sublime piano line over some mean, pulsing kicks, to great effect, whereas "Black Deep" sits bloated with UK bass clichés. Colt has no lack of propulsive punch and when Dense and Pika take their time, the results are great. However, the release wallows in breadth rather than depth. Colt fails to fully develop the emotion hinted at in its title track, but still manages to channel the duo's exquisite command of progression.