Underestimated ep / Sophisticcato

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Its been a busy few months for Detroit's elusive minimalist, Robert Hood, following a mini hiatus. By firstly advancing his core label M-Plant, he has followed up recent releases on Hardwax and Drama with a real shock. For those with their eyes towards the 313, it came with the arrival of Hood's new and third label 'Duet' (behind M-Plant and Drama). The title track of Sophisticcato begins a varied, and significantly a less abstract EP. 'Varied' at least for Hood, the man condemned by Simon Reynolds (in his book 'Energy Flash') as the musical equivalent of a bread and water diet. Fusing a modulating 'Strings of Life'-style piano riff over synths, he strays into seemingly tech-house territories. As if to confirm this, the real gem in this collection: 'The First Night', heralds syncopated drums, reminiscent of Joe Claussels sublime 'Ten City's All loved Out' remix. To fans of Hoods stark Moveable Parts series, the sounds on the Underestimated EP will be familiar, yet a progression. Treading equally deep and funky sub-aquatic territories, Hood layers more intricate sounds, using double high-hats and crisp arpeggios. Thus the minimal cul-de-sac presented on the limited 'Puppet Master' double pack is avoided, and one of Detroit's great hopes marches confidently into 1999. 'The Rhythm of Vision' indeed.