Sander van Doorn – What You Want

76%%Overall Score

• Minimal Techno presentation
• Simplistic and linear arrangement
• A delightful revisit to SvD’s roots

For the longest time, Doorn Records has an underrated (but iconic) status among its other colleagues housed under the leading imprint of Spinnin’ Records. Whether that is a flaw in marketing or having releases not affiliated to the mainstream sounds, the sub-label has lot a few hidden gems, if one takes a dive into it. This Friday, my attention was snared by it again when I saw its celebrated owner back to his domain. The occurrence lays out an obvious meaning: Sander van Doorn experimenting with underground soundscapes. And so it happens in his latest track named “What You Want”; throwing away any complicated structuring or commercial intentions, this production is an undiluted Techno belter to harken and delight oneself to.

Over the past year or so, the reputed Eindhoven denizen has drawn a symmetry between more trendier works and otherwise. Sharing studio-efforts with the likes of Lucas & Steve, Harris & Ford and even Frontliner, he dabbled mainly over the hyped renewal of Psy-Trance/Bounce (which had its short run and hopefully is over for now) to Hardstyle, Trance (as Purple Haze) and Deep House. This year, it seems that the act is inclining towards a progressive deeper sound as observable in “Golden”, the opening release for this year.

Today’s subject has a delightful elementary and stripped back tonality, one akin to minimal versions of Techno; with a SvD twist, of course. Remember “THIS”? That collaboration with the then budding upcomer Oliver Heldens gave me a good enough insight to appreciate the mentioned act’s roots. Though that magic may not have been captured and bottled in this one, “What You Want” doesn’t frolic with unnecessary amount of ensemble. It checks on the bare minimum: a rolling dub kick-bassline combination, synth stabs (in this, it utilizes the infamous Detroit ones) and an unexpected vocal presence. Building up on this rather standard foundation and blueprints, this single functions on this modesty and not resorting to unexpected variances.

Although this a great step into the realm of this often underappreciated style, presence of grittier atmosphere would have sharpened the edge for this instrumental. Thus, a conflict of decisions remains after listening. While it has an uncommon ingenuity, many won’t find much value to press on repeat. This is my thought solely, and others in audience might find “What You Want” as a delectable dub Techno type song that bolsters more reputation for its creator.