Rotation Deep has been showcasing minimal drum and bass for a few years now as the sister label of Rotation Recordings, having recently released its second compilation LP, the excellent ‘Definitions of the Deep Vol 2’. The label returns with its twelfth release in the form of a 3-track debut EP from Alisdair Mason aka Ficci, a relative newcomer with an obvious talent in musical production.

Title track Acronis is an unexpectedly strong opener, 170-minimal beauty. Shifting melodies, echoing vocals, and twinkling keys complement the hopeful, optimistic bassline, whilst the frugal use of drum edits creates an almost-cinematic outro vibe. One of the best tracks of its kind that I’ve heard recently.

Cassidy Street continues the ambience of the lead track at half-time d&b tempo. The peaceful build up is punctuated with blissful vocals (‘All I want is you’) and inventive edits, coupled with futuristic bleeps and an unnerving bassline that’s given poignancy by an understated piano progression, all played out over a bouncy 2-step drum pattern.

The final track Let Me Touch Your Lips is a unique take on future garage, with its cavernous bass, rising strings and flute samples, and it stoically ignores any adherence to the now all too familiar Burial-esque percussion tropes synonymous with the genre. A moody finale to a resoundingly accomplished trio of tracks with an already memorable signature Ficci sound.

Rotation Deep’s continual search for new talent must be commended for plucking such a memorable and proficient talent as Ficci out of relative obscurity. His attention to detail and handling of the sum of parts adds real depth to a very skilled, musically adept debut release, and such confidence with sound engineering and juggling of styles at such an early stage in his career can only bode well for future releases. Keep an eye out for another exciting artist with a forthcoming EP on the label that we’ll be featuring in due course: Minor Rain. The Slovakian is set to release a group of tracks with a serious early Rockwell vibe. Watch this space.

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