Syntax Erik - Don’t Wanna Dance EP

Syntax Erik is Raymond Hansen, originally from Tromsø, Norway, now living in Oslo. He has been releasing music under various aliases from 1997, first as K.Y.D, then as a part of the duo Kyd & Kango. First donning the name Syntax Erik in 2002, Hansen released an EP with Rune Lindbæk’s Romklang label and remixed the likes of Mari Boine, Anneli Drecker, Flunk, and The Familiar under this moniker. Over the years he has maintained steady production efforts with personal tracks, many for his own pleasure.

Syntax Erik is presently on a roll with a series of fantastic EPs for Beatservice Records. 2015’s EPs, Keep It Deep and I Can Feel You, were met with wide acclaim from the likes of Tim Sweeney (Beats In Space), Terry Francis, Pete Herbert, Flash Atkins (Paper Recordings), and Robert Owens. Now Erik busts forth with the Don’t Wanna Dance EP, the third in the series. This time, the tracks are more focused to the four-on-the-floor side of deep house but with Syntax Erik’s distinctively funky touch. The title track is propelled by old school embellishments, a high-hat heavy drum loop, and some serious acid. The key breakdown adds some unexpected loveliness. “Love Jail” grabs the dance floor with its swinging, jackin’ beat, buzzy synth bass, and melodic arpeggiations and pads. Things get a bit moody on “Back On Track” which builds masterfully using bright layers of synths and keys. As a bonus, veteran producer Doc L. Junior (Music For Freaks, Paper Recordings) rounds out the EP with a more floor-heavy treatment of “Don’t Wanna Dance”, which he lovingly refers to as his Horror Dub.

Label and Artist Links:
http://www.beatservice.no
http://beatservice.no/syntaxerik.asp