Shinichi Atobe A.Whispers Into The Void / Aa.Fleeting_637

Well here’s a thing; after over a decade releasing almost exclusively via Manchester’s DDS label, Chain Reaction legend Shinichi Atobe mints his own Plastic & Sounds imprint with the release of a v special new 12” that feels like the opening of a new chapter.

For us, it’s all about the A-side, “Whispers into the Void” - by the far the most romantic, doe-eyed and accomplished thing we’ve heard from him. Gone is that shrill top-end, the subs now butter-smooth, a signature dub-house skank curves around theeee most sensual, lilting piano .It’s just gorgeous, light as a feather, and yet still somehow supremely heavyweight gear.

We’re on more familiar ground on Fleeting_637; the tempo is upped a notch, the drums a bit more plastic, the kicks landing with more of a thud. Add some swirling trills and disco sirens blurred into the periphery, plus a very abrupt ending - and you’re in classic Shinichi territory.

Aye, bring on the album, this one’s a killer.