Sasha π΄σ §σ ’σ ·σ ¬σ ³σ Ώ - XPANDER EP (1999) [Deconstruction Records]
Sasha π΄σ §σ ’σ ·σ ¬σ ³σ Ώ - XPANDER EP (1999) [Deconstruction Records]
https://www.discogs.com/release/58337-Sasha-Xpander-EP
https://www.discogs.com/release/23293007-Sasha-Xpander-EP
Xpander π§
Belfunk π§
Rabbitweed π§
Baja π§
πππππππππππππππππ
It's been 27 years since the release of this great EP. It was released on July 5, 1999, by Deconstruction Records and features Sasha co-produced by Charlie May, Andy Page, and GaΓ«tan Schurrer. In 1999, the Xpander EP won an award at the International Dance Music Awards for "Best Techno/Trance 12."
Sometimes the biggest track is also the best. "Xpander" is a track known to almost every electronic music fan of a certain age. It debuted on radio, appeared on compilations, and appeared in the third edition of Wipeout, a video game series renowned for its electronic music. Named after the Oberheim Xpander synthesizer, the 11-minute original captured everything that was great about Sasha, beyond his playing. It would be hard to find a DJ more beloved than him in 1999. Five years earlier, Mixmag had dubbed him "Son of God." This nickname has stuck. This track is considered by many to be the pinnacle of this great artist. He produced it with Charlie May from the band Spooky, who later became his right-hand man in the studio.
Sasha said:
"Xpander" has been around for a while, in one form or another, as a spooky track," May told me in an email.
This legendary production still sounds like the future. Every element shines. The sounds are rich and full. Melodies and synths weave deep into this production, capturing the dizzying sweep of late-'90s progressive house and trance. Motifs come in various configurations. Tracks swirl through setbacks and repetitions. Classic trance tunes often last over ten minutes, with more important elements than are typically found in house or techno. You get Breakbeat at its best. This was, and still is, incredibly detailed music. It sounds like it took months to create. Every note and rhythm is polished to a shine. My vinyl version is from 2022, released by Music On Vinyl.
"Belfunk" clearly elevates this EP. It contains an almost delicate, yet quite monstrous, A bassline, gurgling sounds, and an interesting breakdown. "Rabbitweed" is a track of surprising proportions. It leans towards techno intensity. A truly solid production. It's worth revisiting.
"Baja" is the longest track on the vinyl. It clocks in at nearly 12 minutes, making you afraid to breathe for fear of missing a beat. If I had to have one song constantly played as the soundtrack of my life, this one would be the perfect fit. Tranquility. Peace. Meditation. While some might not have the patience to make it to the climax, those who manage will be richly rewarded. Sit back, turn off the lights in your room, close your eyes, and feel yourself transported to unknown places. An incredible vinyl release that has become a classic in electronic music history.
