Persist

Having been careful to bide their time and focus their efforts on the oft-forgotten quality over quantity approach, the London-based PRISM label are now ready to drop their second offering from London-via-Bristol producer Otik. Following Jon Phonics' widely supported 'Grid Games' EP last year, Otik's eight-track 'Persist' EP expands upon two self-released EPs and a recent free single via Fat! Records from the producer, and is set for release on 25thNovember.

Across four original productions Otik is given the broadest canvas yet to explore his low-end heavy and distinctly UK-inflected take on house, while each track comes backed by a remix with Artifact, GoldFFinch, Thefft and eplp all stepping up with their own re-imaginings of his music. On EP opener 'Show No Love' Otik twists his source material to bring a darker emotive edge to the swung drum groove and low-slung bassline bump, while fellow Bristolian Artifact irons out the rhythmic kinks and cuts up the vocal to craft a focused 4x4 effort. 'Shackled' then blends swirling synths with soft vocals over a sharp shuffle which Dirtybird alumni GoldFFinch twist into a darker dance floor-focused knock. 'Persista' injects cut up breaks and a pulsing bassline to proceedings, which counterpoint the soulful vocals to bring a sense of light and shade, before Thefft delivers the kind of inimitable off-kilter groove that has won him releases on PTN, MadTech and Embassy Recordings amongst others. Finally 'Green Tea' injects some hip hop swagger to its light-footed house skip, which is given a fresh reworking by up-and-comer eplp.

While still a new name to many, Otik has quickly proven his credentials with a small but meticulously crafted and steadily growing discography. His forthcoming PRISM release continues to build on the foundations he has laid and with a series of shows lined up, the EP looks set to be a watershed moment for the producer and will undoubtedly have him singled out as one to watch for 2014.