Dazion
Grooveboxxx | Dekmantel (DKMNTL093)

Welcome to Dazion's "Grooveboxxx," a maxi-sized love letter to The Hague's vibrant 80s and 90s club scene, crafted with minimal tools and loaded with infectious vibe. It's no coincidence that this release finds its home on Dekmantel, a label deeply rooted in the electronic music culture of the same Dutch city.

Dazion, known as The Hague's Cris Kuhlen, has previously made waves with releases on Second Circle, Safe Trip, and Animals Dancing. With "Grooveboxxx," he pays homage to his formative clubbing years in The Hague, where he frequented long-gone clubs like Eau, known for its distinctive dance floors, lasers, extravagant decorations, and wild parties.

In capturing the spirit of those legendary nights, Kuhlen took on a unique challenge—he limited himself to a single machine, the Roland MC-303 Groovebox, to create his most extensive work to date. Although these mid-90s entry-level units had relatively limited functionality compared to the broader spectrum of studio gear, they contained the iconic Roland sounds in a Rompler style, providing everything needed to craft raw, immediate club tracks without the need for an entire studio's worth of hardware.

The choice of this brash gear sets the tone for an album filled with rough, ready, and playful jams that reveal unexpected sophistication despite the limited means. Tracks like 'La DS' drive with a freaky, bleep techno intensity, while 'Kimberly & Nance Backstage Rehearsal' rides an angular groove designed to inspire the weirdest dance moves of the night. Each track bears a name referencing a particular nightspot, a hazy memory, or a moment from Kuhlen's formative raving years.

"Groveboxxx" is the sound of Dazion having the time of his life, blending nods to rock totems with irreverent new beat style or infusing gnarly US acid breaks vibes underneath helium-infused rap licks. Beyond the cheekiness, these tracks pay homage to the golden days of dance music while remaining relevant and effective for today's sweatiest dancefloors. As MC Paul T proclaims dramatically at the intro of "Grooveboxxx," "This movement will live on forever."

Prepare to dive into a sonic journey that captures the spirit of The Hague's iconic club scene with "Dazion - Grooveboxxx" on Dekmantel (DKMNTL093).