A work 12 months in the making, Alex Lentini & STOMP BOXX deliver a standout EP debut. The Italian pair – living at the extreme opposites of their country’s ‘boot’ will be new names to the Drumcode faithful. They first appeared on the label in December 2020, with a strong contribution to A-Sides Vol.10 titled ‘Expanders’. So impressed was Adam Beyer with their productions, a fulsome debut EP was secured soon after. ‘Fine Line’ was conceived in the final stages of 2019. With the extra studio time lockdown provided, the duo enjoyed a creative freefall, allowing them to refine a five-track work that sits at the intersection of home-listening techno and dancefloor functionalism. ‘Natural Desire’ has a definable spunk to it, as pulsating chords undulate towards a breathy pad-laden finish. ‘Shifting Soul’ is exquisite, as crunchy drums and a rousing vocal ensure it’s a memorable addition to the Drumcode canon. The title track is colourful and thrilling in equal doses, as muscular synth lines coalesce alongside pin-sharp rhythms. ‘Altered Cycle’ is skilfully composed and marked by a stirring melodic lead and funky percussive underbelly. ‘Curved Blade’ is abrasive and gritty, before a dreamy spoken word interlude arouses an introspective mood. A fitting soundtrack for our times. ‘2020 was both strange and terrible, especially for music lovers. But it gave us enough time to carve out this collaboration. At this point a wonderful compromise arose between our two different sound visions. It happened without too many thoughts and in a very natural way.’ – Alex Lentini & STOMP BOXX