- Kerb Hits, the second record by Leeds producer Hedge Maze, continues to take the scenic route through dubby techno soundscapes. These four tracks aren't necessarily long, but they move at such a relaxed and stoney pace that you might take them for meandering jam sessions. Part of that comes down to their loopy nature and muted, lo-fi production aesthetic. The title track and "Hyowl" seem content to lazily coast on their grooves, only making subtle tweaks to each foggy environment. They could very easily work in a set of deep, ambient-leaning beats, alongside records from the likes of, say, Opal Tapes and L.I.E.S.—probably too easily.
"Ourca," however, stands out. It has more in common with the Northern Electronics label, tapping into a creepy, labyrinthine sound full of fine-tuned frequencies and delicate rhythms. It almost doesn't make sense next to the rest of Kerb Hits, which seemingly prefers ramshackle live recordings to dialed-in soundsystem fare. "Interlude" even has a poppy little synth hook swaying over its slow, wonky bounce. Hedge Maze is obviously a versatile producer with a loose handle on what he wants to do with his skills, so with any luck his grip will only continue to tighten.
TracklistA1 Kerb Hits
A2 Oucra
B1 Interlude
B2 Hyowl