With Just Another House Track, Rob Steven delivers a concise yet layered EP that sits comfortably at the crossroads of techno and dance, while quietly pushing back against some of the genre’s current habits. Rather than chasing the dominant, trance-leaning momentum of much contemporary techno, this release looks sideways and backward, drawing strength from a house-driven sensibility rooted in the 90s, then reframing it with modern production clarity.
The rhythmic architecture is the first element that asserts itself. The EP is built around a firm, four-to-the-floor pulse that never feels ornamental or excessive. Kicks are solid and grounded, designed to anchor the tracks rather than dominate them. Around this core, percussion is arranged with restraint: hi-hats, shakers, and secondary rhythmic accents move in subtle cycles, creating propulsion without clutter. There’s a sense of patience here, an understanding that groove doesn’t need constant escalation to remain engaging. The rhythm sections breathe, leaving space for other elements to assert character.
That character emerges most clearly through the synth work, which functions as both hook and narrative device. Heavy, upfront synth lines form the backbone of the EP, recalling the directness of classic house and early techno while benefiting from contemporary sound design techniques. These synths are not overly polished to the point of sterility; instead, they carry slight tonal roughness and movement, giving the tracks a tactile quality. Filters open and close gradually, modulation is applied with intent rather than spectacle, and the result is a sound that feels lived-in, not merely programmed.
Atmospherically, Just Another House Track balances nostalgia with forward momentum. There is an unmistakable reference to the energy of late-night club rooms where house and techno once shared more common ground than they often do today. Yet the EP avoids falling into pastiche. Pads and background textures are used sparingly, often appearing briefly to thicken the mix before receding again. This creates an environment that feels functional but expressive, designed for the dancefloor while still offering moments of introspection when heard away from it.
The production reflects a clear studio vision. Crafted entirely as a solo project in Rob Steven’s Bournemouth studio, the EP demonstrates how focused sound design and disciplined arrangement can yield a refined result without excessive technical theatrics. The emphasis on main hook synths is deliberate, with drums and percussive elements acting as support structures rather than distractions. Small details—transitional effects, subtle delays, fleeting melodic fragments—act as “ear candy,” adding depth without pulling attention away from the groove.
Influences from figures such as Chicago Loop, Christian Smith, and Carl Cox are perceptible, particularly in the way the tracks balance toughness with accessibility. There is a shared commitment to groove as a guiding principle, paired with an appreciation for clarity and impact. However, these references feel absorbed rather than imitated. The EP speaks with its own voice, shaped by years of experience behind the decks and in the studio, and by a clear affection for a sound that once defined entire scenes.
What ultimately sets Just Another House Track apart is its sense of purpose. Inspired by a night in Bristol that reignited a passion for house-infused techno, the release carries a quiet conviction. It doesn’t overstate its intentions, nor does it rely on novelty. Instead, it presents a coherent, high-quality statement that feels confident in its simplicity and direction. As part of the BLACK WAXX roster, this EP signals a producer fully comfortable with his identity, and one preparing to bring that identity from the studio to the stage.
It is precisely this balance—between old-school instinct and modern execution—that makes Just Another House Track a release we are genuinely pleased to host on our webzine. It stands as a focused, well-crafted contribution to the techno and dance landscape, reminding listeners that groove, when handled with care and intent, remains timeless.
Artwork: BLACK WAXX
Photography: Roberto Rodriguez