Following up an amazing EP on Tulipa in January, Chicola returns to Sudbeat for two solo tracks, plus a collaboration with Mr. Lowbit himself, Sonic Union.

The title track ‘Shika’ clocks in at over 10 minutes, but it doesn’t waste a second getting going, with slick percussion and a cool rolling groove, punctuated by rising stabs. The first breakdown showcases a darker tone and some excellent hi-hat work, before the track powers on towards the main breakdown. There Chicola introduces some lovely chiming melodies that interact with the bassline really nicely, and which give a minute of serenity before the track growls back into life for the finale. This is excellent – one of Chicola’s best, in fact.

Chicola’s other solo offering, ‘Tren De Pensamientos’, is murkier and less melodic, boasting a sleazy bassline, industrial percussive loops, acidic tinges, and two really powerful drops. If you like filthy underground house music, this is going to tick all the right boxes.

Finally, ‘Cold Fact’ reunites Chicola with Sonic Union, as they follow up their excellent double-header on Lowbit last year. ‘Cold Fact’ is a subtler affair, with a drawn out, deeply atmospheric intro leading to a swaying bassline and propulsive kicks and hi-hats. The dreamy quality of the intro isn’t absent too long though, as airy reverberating pads drift in and out of the track, while the main breakdown brings in subtle stabs that gentle nudge the energy levels up. As a mood-setter for a deep journey, it’s perfect.

This is another quality release from Sudbeat, with Chicola’s ‘Shika’ appealing most to me personally, but all three tracks being very worthy of your attention.