Artist: Omid 16B
Title: Changing Change EP
Label: Sexonwax Recordings
By: Andy Dixon | 3 March 2007
Tracklist:

• 1. Changing Change
• 2. In Da Process
• 3. A New Way
• 4. Pitch

Omid 16B "Changing Change EP"

Omid 16B is one of the most talented and recognizable producers in modern dance music. His ability to combine funky house, dark tech, and emotional breaks lands on every level as he defies being labeled to one genre. His second album 'How to Live 100 Years' was a true work of art that transcends individual productions to a journey most compilation discs could never accomplish, and singles like 'Escape' featuring Morel and a laundry list of remixes carved a niche in the hearts and minds of listeners for the better part of the past decade. But with such a storied past behind him, 16B hardly became complacent - releasing the latest from his own Sex on Wax label in the 'Changing Change EP'.

The 'Changing Change' title track is the first of the four featured and is true to 16B form. Omid has a talent of using every layer to its fullest, every note and effect serves an exact purpose. The slow build is emotional but never in sacrifice of energy. Each layer - from the seeping bass to modulated harmonics - is brought to the foreground to become the primary melody at one time or another. Even if for a brief second, this creates the track's forward movement and subtle direction changes.

The second track, 'In Da Process' is nearly as good, and demonstrates the funky basslines and house hi-hats that 16B, Deep Dish, and the likes have helped develop. Short blues riffs on synthesized guitars and its squealing distortion give this track extra flavor. And here his use of down time furthers the energy when the beat drops.

'A New Way' and 'Pitch' finish out the EP. 'A New Way' is technically superior with subtle moves and emotional shapes over a rich landscape. Discordant undercurrents and analog adjustments give the base an unnatural feel that works under the full rich melody. 'Pitch' keeps the energy alive and is another solid work with a good potential, and works well closing the EP because of Omid's constant attention to discreet layers and floating atmospheres.

If you like the work of 16B in the past, the 'Changing Change EP' is a definite pick up. His style is consistent, so if you like one of these tracks the others are worth a listen for his changes in mood and setting.