Soulseek (feat. Soltera) marks a confident step forward for 1tbsp, the indie-dance alias of Maxwell Byrne, also known for his work as Golden Vessel. Released on 11/02/26 and shaped between Sydney and Los Angeles, the track feels both geographically fluid and emotionally grounded, moving with an ease that suggests long nights spent refining details rather than chasing immediacy.
At its core, “Soulseek” is driven by rhythm, but not in a straightforward, club-functional sense. The beat pulses with a restless energy, a low-slung groove that leans forward and then subtly pulls back. Percussive elements are layered with intention: soft, almost brushed hits sit alongside sharper accents, creating a sense of motion that never fully resolves. This push-and-pull gives the track its distinctive tension, keeping the listener slightly off balance without ever tipping into chaos.
The synth work is where the track quietly asserts its identity. Pads arrive hazy and diffused, more atmospheric than melodic, while smaller synth motifs flicker in and out like half-remembered signals. There’s a tactile quality to the sound design, as if each texture has been gently worn down at the edges. Rather than dominating the mix, the synths breathe within it, allowing space for rhythm and voice to coexist. This restraint is key to the track’s impact.
Soltera’s vocal presence adds another layer of depth. Her delivery feels intimate but not fragile, floating above the instrumental while remaining tethered to its groove. The vocal lines don’t aim for obvious hooks; instead, they unfold gradually, drawing the listener further into the track’s atmosphere. There’s a sense of late-night introspection here, a mood that lingers rather than resolves.
Stylistically, “Soulseek” sits comfortably alongside reference points such as Underworld, Ninajirachi, and DJ Gigola, while also echoing the hybrid sensibilities associated with ROSALÍA, Mura Masa, and Jamie xx. Yet it never feels derivative; the influences are absorbed rather than displayed.
As a standalone single and a signal of an upcoming album, “Soulseek” reflects a project in full control of its language. It’s a release of clear quality, one we are pleased to host on our webzine, not for its immediacy alone but for the way it rewards repeated listening, revealing small shifts and details over time.