Dance Spirit Balance Frigid Beats and a Warm Heart on "In Between Spaces"

As someone far more clever than I posted from BPM Festival this weekend, "I've noticed that international techno fashion has moved from sad ninja to happy hare krishna." That shift has been propelled by arch wizard Damien Lazarus and his Burner-inspired dance music pranksters at Crosstown Rebels, who have reshaped the Eurocentric aesthetic that has dominated house and techno for a decade and given it a West Coast shine perfect for partying at sun-stroked beach raves rather than concrete bunker clubs.

The latest act to join him on this journey is Los Angeles duo Dance Spirit, who offer up their first single for Crosstown's limited-edition sub-label Rebellion, having already done work for Los Angeles techno stables Culprit and Superfreq, as well as a recent release for ultimate boutique festival brand Desert Hearts. "In Between Spaces" is the third of three cuts on the Drowning In Irises EP. Work on the cut actually dates back to 2013, but its rhythms harken even farther back to the mid-00s minimal scene. Fortunately, some lush pads take over the second half of the track, insulating the chilly percussion in a warm blanket of good vibes.

Have a listen before the full EP drops this Friday, January 15th.