(Tech House, Techno) [WEB] Luca Bear - Strictly Session [Dirty Session Records (DSR002)] - 2014, FLAC (tracks), lossless

Luca Bear is an Italian producer whose previous fare has emerged on seminal imprints such as Great Stuff, Noir, Moan, Robsoul and Suara. With a CV like that, his sound - as you'd imagine - is one that's tough to pigeonhole.
On his own new label, Dirty Session, he reminds us of the fact with some degree of ease thanks to the suitably foreboding (and highly-spirited) Strictly Forbidden EP.
An EP that's not for the feint of heart, the action kicks off thanks to the title-number, whereby a series of malevolent timbres jostle throughout, keeping out attention perked thanks to the effervescent snares and a vast abundance of simmering hats.
It's atmospheric and ominous stuff, and is the sort of track that Spanish producer Kasper revels in. His take on the original is no less wispy, as a hypnotic groove lingers alongside a series of pummeling drums.
''Garage Take'' sees the producer up the ante for one last hurrah, with its groaning vocals and many sirens reminding us that Luca Bear is by no means finished yet.
Tense but with just enough light creeping in, it's a jittery end to an all-round compelling listen.