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Following releases on Mo's Ferry Prod and Rrygular, German Marcel Knopf drops his latest EP on his very own Clap Your Hands imprint.

Entitled "Lone Gone Home" and his first release of 2010, Knopf keeps the depth of his previous productions but explores them in a much housier sound than before. Containing three new and original tracks, he finally displays his versatility on his own label as it reaches its fourth release.

The title track begins with punchy kicks, quick, clicking percussion and crisp hi-hats before a dubby bassline starts to throb along the bottom end, fuelling the track's dancefloor orientation. Flashes of sub bass crank the tension even more before chopped vocal edits come in just as quickly to relieve it. Oscillating synth parts work their way into the mix and then begin to move in deep and stabbing motions, giving the track a hint of Knopf's often experimental stance but whilst still keeping this a straight forward, house number.

"Pirate FM" is much more unusual from the outset. A simple and deep bassline jogs timidly beneath as stretched synth parts and tribal-like percussion creates an exotic, almost sinister atmosphere over the top. Keeping a restrained face on proceedings, the synths build throughout the track but never spill over, instead breaking to allow a melodic interlude that gives the track a real sense of peacefulness and contentedness.

The EP finishes with "Perchance to Dream," a lush exploration into deep house. Clicking percussion and FX lay down the intro for a pounding beat to storm through and grab the track by the balls. Oceanic synth stabs keep things grounded before the monk-like vocals sweep through the track like a choir's voice filling a church. Injecting human life into this otherwise ancient or cosmic body gives the track its proper spirit and once again shows off Knopf's accessible take on experimentalism within dance music.

Artist: Marcel Knopf Title: Lone Gone Home EP Label: Clap Your Hands Tracklist Lone Gone Home   Pirate FM   Perchance To Dream      www.myspace.com/marcelknopf Our Rating: 7/10