The Content Label presents a dynamic new split EP from Lex (de Kalhex) and Dday One, titled “Parallel Presence”. The EP’s title reveals some clues: ‘parallel’ refers to something similar to another, while ‘presence’ imagines a thing that exists but is not seen. These two producers, as kindred spirits, strive to work on this deeper level. Parallel Presence is an expressive step forward, presenting intricate beats, thoughtful samples, and otherworldly vibes colluding towards a mesmerizing whole.
Los Angeles based producer Dday One bookends the EP with “Key Signature” and “Moving Force”, displaying his undisputed acumen for rhythm construction and skillful arrangement. The opening track, in particular, is a beat-head’s manna, featuring a serpentine bass line, staccato vocals, and heavy piano riffs, all synchronized at a headnodic tempo. Alex Besikian aka Lex (de Kalhex) is a visual artist, producer, and MC, known as the co-founder of Paris’s Akromégalie Records and 1/3 of seminal French hip hop group Kalhex. His cuts “Brilliant Circles” – with its night owl drum beat, tinkling electric keys, and gentle horn line – and “Solstice” – featuring ringing tones, bluesy guitar riffs, velvet saxophone, and some serious rhythm play – uncannily compliment Dday One’s contributions, cementing “Parallel Presence” as an EP best ingested from front to back.
Visual and audio art also come together in the project’s cover design, which was a collaborative effort of the two producers. The Content Label aims to bring together distinct forms of expression, with sound, thought, and visual art combining through the imprint’s releases. “Parallel Presence” is just the latest evidence.
| A1 | Key Signature | 4:27 |
| A2 | Brillant Circles | 1:13 |
| B1 | Solstice | 3:19 |
| B2 | Moving Force | 1:09 |
