Take a listen to the work of Reset Robot and you will hear a clear continuity between name and sound, with structured drum patterns, sharp punchy kicks and futuristic synths. Reset Robot champions a stripped back sound, proving that less is more when it comes to making an impact. It is by using this format, complete with crisp samples, that Reset Robot is able to accentuate particular sounds for full dramatic affect. There is something more to the name, which comes in the form of an impressive volume of releases that represent a machine like efficiency.

Reset Robot has become a rising star through his affinity with Adam Beyer’s Drumcode and Truesoul labels. This has seen him catapulted into a selection of live shows that have wowed audiences and created a demand for more appearances, which include London’s Junction 2 on the 10th June and the highly-anticipated Drumcode at Fact Club Barcelona just five days later. With a tour diary filled with territories as broad as Australia, USA and all corners of Europe, Reset Robot shows an incredible momentum. After witnessing a darkly eclectic set at London’s Printworks in February, I have been delving deeper into the Robot- real name Dave Robertson.

Robertson first gained recognition was with the creation of 6 tracks for Dubfire’s internationally acclaimed Sci+Tec label. His robotic work rate and high quality production clearly paid dividends with Robertson’s next releases featuring on Get Physical, Soma, Drumcode amongst others. Perhaps the most close to Robertson’s heart is Adam Beyer’s Truesoul imprint, with four 4-track EPs released to date and one more due for release in early May. The latest release is titled Attack of the Denim Hand, the fourth release by Reset Robot on his own label Whistleblower Records. Whistleblower is a label founded in 2013 by three likeminded producers, Alan Fitzpatrick, Reset Robot and Rhymos, whose roots lie in the close-knit electronic music scenes of Southampton and Portsmouth on the UK’s South Coast. Releases on this imprint appear largely minimalist, maintaining a raw sound that matches the atmosphere of a dark ‘room two’ at a warehouse rave.

The EP in question was released in March of this year. On first inspection, the EP is an understated, collection of techno driven tracks that incorporate flirty elements of quirk and melody. With a sound that is minimal, dark and easily accessible, Reset Robot begins with Try This Chip, which starts through a punchy techno beat and bongo drum pattern, that is underscored by a vicious high hat. As the listener is goaded into a trance like state, hazy staggered vocals seep through the mix. The synth that follows is as individual as the artist, appearing rather tripped out yet bold. It’s a little like a beautiful storm, as Reset Robot plays around with the strong percussion that makes his sets so weighty. This contrasts with the spaced out components of the track, making Try This Chip a quirky dance floor addition that is sure to pick up the tempo of a set.

Prepare to get dramatic. Those familiar with Reset Robot will remember Lollypop from his 2016 LP Pink Fly. Track two features a remix of this track by artist 4AM. The addition of this artists name to the track goes some way in indicating when this track should be played. Beefed up and increasingly hypnotic, Lollypop takes the listener further into a deep trance that is broken up by trios of claps and a deafening techno beat. Track three is titled TwoTwo, which gives the listener pause for breath, but only for a moment, as they are submerged in an aquatic, blend of house and techno. The baseline is bold, menacing and layered with a truly quality selection of crisp samples that wash over this spacious track. This individualistic sound is a trademark of the artist, who looks to push boundaries in his production and with enough gusto to lead a dance floor, this track a winner.

The final track shares its name with the EP, Attack Of The Denim Hand and it shows that if this track were to be a fashion item, it would be full of style. Plucked synths stand out across the laid back melody and euphoric pads. This track appears suited to the end of a long summers day, or late morning party, bringing the EP sauntering to its end. All stated, a classy EP that shows a level of restraint from Reset Robot, with a fantastically produced selection of summer tracks that show individuality and artistry.