Universo Underworld EP

Catz ‘N Dogz continue to roll out their PETS sub label STEP Recordings and follow up a slew of soulheavy dance records from Baltra, Reno Wurzbacher and The Analog Roland Orchestra with a solo EP from fellow Polish producer Universo. With previous appearances on Transatlantyk, the auspicious newcomer slots neatly into the STEP catalogue in presenting his ‘Underworld' EP: a package of softly glowing lo-fi that fans of Baltra's recent ‘Sophia' EP on STEP will relish. Underworld then unfolds at a steady, hypnotic pace as moody, interlocking chords and paired up with a gentle spoken vocal that work together to create a poignant, eyes-down mood. Icy strings and a trippy spoken are introduced before ‘Kora Buta' follows up with some warm, swooning sample work. ‘Sleeper' is next up as distant, meandering thumb pianos and rainy textures colour the tracks fuzzy drums while a glassy, Legowelt-esque pad glides overhead.‘Frequenza' kicks things off a soft, sizzling pad sent ducking under a rock-hard kick drum.