Spark EP

Here's the Ghostly International/Spectral Sound axis' greatest free-agent coup to date. Lawrence breaks from his usual circuit of outlets (Dial, Ladomat 2000) with another 12" that can only build on his durable reputation as one of Germany's most consistent and unique house artists. The surprising lack of gloom in his remix of Superpitcher's "Happiness" turns out to be no fluke; through these tracks, one can gain the sense that Lawrence might've realized that he was teetering on the verge of becoming the RZA of microhouse, a predictable one-trick producer. The move is far from drastic, however — this is the sound of the producer strolling down a recently beautified boulevard at dawn, rather than the sound of him pacing with hunched shoulders down a deserted alley in the middle of the night. Some of his prettiest melodies can be heard here. And one track — "Five Leaves" — is downright upbeat.