Dutch producer 9T7 shines on the beautifully warming and intricate new EP ‘On Intuition’.
Opening with the warming modulated synths, gentle and percussive beats and plucky bass of ‘Modern Vintage’ which features fellow dutch producers Emulov, the EP quickly sets a chilled and sophisticated tone through its jazz influenced feel and lo-fi sound pallet. Introducing a plucky, reverb soaked guitar line comparable to The XX, the track showcases 9T7’s ability to create electronic music that feels strikingly organic.
‘Eyes Closed’ continues this approach, taking on a more buoyant vibe. It’s light and breezy chord progression and shuffling beat and arrangement give the track a more obvious instrumental hip-hop flavour, bringing an undertone of J Dilla to the otherwise Bonobo and early Mura Masa-esque sonic approach. Showcasing some finesse with production techniques and inventive ideas, the track grows through its funk tinted bassline with twinkling piano and beautifully restrained guitar work.
Track 3, ‘Wonderland’ creates a dreamlike state through layers of floating synth pads and twinkling top lines which glide elegantly over the lazy, swing heavy beat. Closing track ‘Bella’ featuring Riën, continues this theme with a soundscpae of rich vocal samples and warming synths resulting in a soundscape which wouldn’t be out of place on a 90s chillout album. Offering one of the EPs highlights with some fantastic and unexpected acoustic guitar work at the mid point, the EP closes in a fittingly serene and dreamy haze.
A =4 track release which is packed with wonderful ideas and some spotless production, On Intuition highlights 9T7 as an exciting rising talent. Although the EP does feel slightly limited by the restraints of its sonic identity, at times lacking a “hook”, it is equally commendable that 9T7 has found his sound and that it flows effortlessly from track to track. Either way, it’s an expansive and transportive body of work that offers an exciting taste of what 9T7 is capable of.
Listen below:
