Inkwell

Vancouver, BC-based producers Inkwell (aka Cam Smith and Ryan Trann) deliver Kneesocks, the first EP to be released on new western Canadian label Danksoul. Cam Smith and Ryan Trann met while studying audio engineering. Performing around western Canada since 2006, together they create dance floor-friendly house and techno by improvising with various formats, including their own hardware and software creations. Their three-track EP starts off with "Kozeark," a deep tech-house track full of slow building rhythmic clicks over a solid funk groove. The self-titled track is comparable to Montréal's Akufen for its experimental, funky micro-cuts and playful, rhythmic, two-stepping aesthetic. Mathew Jonson's younger brother, Hrdvsion, remixes the last track. Hrdvsion transforms his remix of "Kneesocks" into a glitchy, grooving track with chunky, driving, harmonious progressions to carry it through. Danksoul delivers a strong first release. Hopefully the quality of this is a sign of what's to come.