Above Image Credit: James Clothier
Few techno producers or labels over the past decade have managed to carve out a sound as unique as Kowton and Livity Sound. The stripped back techno released through Livity Sound and showcased on this mix shines equal focus on each element of the track, with space to breath between as opposed to the focus being on one particular aspect such as the kick drum. The result is a form of techno with a strong groove, filled with plenty of sub-bass, heavily swung rhythms, and catchy samples.
Kowton opens the mix with Shanti Celeste – Being (Ambient Mix), an atmospheric house track before switching towards the sound for which he is most associated. He then builds the mood perfectly across the course of the hour long mix. Although all tracks share the elements described in the previous paragraph (sub-bass, heavily swung rhythms, catchy samples), it is Alex Coulton – Hand to Hand Combat that is the perfect example of this sound.
Classic oddities, Cuica Digitales and Half An Hour Jam On A Borrowed Synth bring a smile to the face before Kowton closes with a slew of Livity classics. This mix perfectly encapsulates a sound and era of UK dance music while showcasing tracks that are catchy in the strangest way possible.
Written By: James Acquaye Nortey-Glover