Come Round

Butter Sessions' 63rd release'Come Round'is a pulsating journey that spans so-called Australia's east and west coasts, connected by heavyweight producers DJ PGZ and Yikes. The respective Naarm & Boorloo-based DJs' artistry culminates in a seven-track EP — a treasure trove of underground club gems that blend techno, bass and breakbeat in a robust collaboration, including two-cross remixes.

The opening cut 'Solidarity System' by Gunai/Kurnai & Yorta Yorta artist DJ PGZ instantly sets the EP's tone, marking its territory on both club floors and outdoor raves. Anchored by pulsating 4x4 kicks, the track builds with flashes of melodic techno flourishes and a wub-laden bassline, which flows seamlessly into his second track 'Energy Monstera'. In this follow-up, the garage-style wub continues, underscored by bass-music staples like siren samples and vocal calls, while maintaining his dark techno style. Wongutha artist Yikes' 'Off to Work Edit' intensifies the bass with ample saturation, introducing a triplet-infused rhythm and acid-synth line into his flip.

'Ouss Ouss' stands out as the EP's defining collaboration, capturing the synergy between DJ PGZ and Yikes in their only direct team-up on the record. A deep, commanding vocal anchors the beat, while an irresistible descending synth-line pulls us into a hypnotic groove. Breakbeat accents weave in and out, creating a push-pull effect that both teases and satisfies — a subtle nod to both artists' love for broken percussive textures in this mostly tech-head release.

'Sidestep' offers a first taste of Yikes' solo work, where he again hones in on a distorted bassline to drive the track forward. Reverberated melodic elements and effects in the background provide a layered soundscape, with subtle shifts propelling the groove into a trance-like rhythm — perfect for entrancing a dancefloor. In 'Check Out That', Yikes features the same iconic sample as 'Solidarity System', cementing the east-west sonic connection. The track's bubbling acid-line injects excitement into the mix, evolving the landscape while honouring its dance-first roots.

DJ PGZ's 'Rewind Yourself Mix' flips 'Check That Out' with deep bass and acid-synths — by now this EP's unmistakable calling card —, accompanied by subdued, filtered drum programming that hints at the closing chapter of the EP. As the track unfolds, noisy synth pads weave throughout, before the track echoes out to a reflective farewell.

An impressive feat from two genre-gliding master producers of their craft!