The Valley and the Mountain (abbr. TVTM) return with a new 12” EP entitled, A Number of Northwests with DJ Aakmael (NDATL/Poker Flat) pulling remix duties in a big way. This EP documents an artist in transition; migrating from deep on Detroit’s westside to the furthest reaches of the Pacific Northwest, and represents a fresh start for Josh Dahlberg’s established TVTM alias. The result is a range of interwoven styles across the four tracks, casting a hazy vibe with a healthy low-end workout throughout.
The A side looks back on TVTM’s final stretch in Detroit, obsessing over signal paths to create the rolling atmospherics on Bretton Drive. It’s a mid tempo romp, featuring a cast of early-era rackmount synthesizers that give it a classic feel. The deep electro-influenced Grand River Slide, completes the A side, full of icy chords and Detroit-laden grooves backed by a casual broken beat.
Side B introduces TVTM to their new home in the temperate rainforest of the Pacific Northwest. The chugging Ramps to Nowhere exists in the ether somewhere between dub and afterhours expressionism. Moody house stalwart DJ Aakmael reinterprets Ramps to Nowhere as a jazzy, deep house affair. With his signature style, MPC-esqu chops are topped by rich pads, accompanied by a fun melodica line that brings the EP to an energized finish.
A1 | Bretton Drive | |
A2 | Grand River Slide | |
B1 | Ramps to Nowhere | |
B2 | Ramps to Nowhere (DJ Aakmael Mix) |