relativity lounge - zero-sum EP [STRX007]

STRX007: Satellite Trax presents “zero-sum EP” - a multigenre display of dancefloor workouts by Jack Jamison, best known as relativity lounge.

Out now on all major platforms: https://ffm.to/strx007

0:00 - greuv
5:46 - hippodrome
11:45 - zero-sum
16:33 - svelte
21:47 - dusktop

Maintaining momentum of the recent releases through our Satellite Trax vessel has us sailing home once again. This time, we have recruited one of our city’s finest captains to commandeer this expansive fleet and showcase his latest interpretation of club music maneuvers.

Navigating through the not-so treacherous waters of Lake Michigan is Chicago-based producer relativity lounge and his keen collection of dancefloor treasures. Having begun his journey traversing the local bass music sphere, his recent years have been spent on stages throughout the North American festival circuit. He has thrived in these niche spaces as an open-format DJ, bringing a breath of fresh air with his curation. The same could be said for his standout productions; as a music maker first and foremost, his clever arrangements and maximalist approach to sound design make up a thoughtfully crafted signature sound. Always striving to be audibly pristine, he makes the most of each track’s dynamics, pushing the envelope of what can be achieved on a mere computer. Playful at times, his latest project takes a more serious direction, catapulting straight onto the dancefloor with real intention.

We welcome longtime friend relativity lounge onto our beloved crew with “zero-sum EP,” a collection of club-centric tracks strictly crafted for dancefloors in dark rooms. Leaning more on the higher tempo side of his discography, this release finds him exercising his ability to permute a wide range of subgenres to his liking. The EP begins with “greuv,” a hypnotic techno sonic drenched in dubbed-out synths that serves as a slowed warmup to the rest of the project. The next three tracks pick up the pace and dabble in the recently revived hardgroove realm, with thumping basslines and shifting percussion that headline every song at a consistent 150 BPM. What makes these stand out is his own recognizable spin on them; whether it involves sprinkling in carefully chosen samples, or incorporating catchy melodic sequences, there is always a sense of fun to be had when tuning in. There are even a few moments in this segment that nod to trance and rave-inspired music, which lay more hidden within each soundscape. The EP winds down with “dusktop,” his most emotive work on this project and an ode to driving home after a long summer afternoon of dancing with friends at a day party - quite fitting to ride into the sunset. The bonus track “fckthat” turns the tempo up even further to deliver cheeky footwork that samples Kendrick Lamar’s legendary song “A.D.H.D” - available exclusively on Bandcamp.

With a sense of curiosity that motivates his eclectic taste, relativity lounge proves that his well-developed palette blended with urban roots is a recipe for success. His high-octane project “zero-sum EP” showcases his ability to take modern influences and shapeshift them into a sound true to himself. Through his Lake Effect Records imprint, he continues his courageous deep-dive into our local underground club scene while sharing the same vision as us: an inevitable shift towards straightforward and timeless dance music.

Satellite Trax - an expansion of our core imprint that focuses on dance-centric music and its club roots; part of the foundation within our sonic heritage. This sublabel serves as a primary source of dancefloor weaponry for DJs and enthusiasts aiming to unveil the latest rhythms heard from around the electronic music sphere.

Written, produced, & mastered by Jack Jamison
Cover art & visual designed by Nic Juister