Rising stars Pentatones, justly lauded for their distinctive blend of oblique pop, jazz-inflected electronica and languorous torch songs, receive the full Steve Bug treatment on Poker Flat's latest transmission: a meeting of minds that produces an utterly seductive dancefloor anthem. The original version of 'Karma Game' appears on the Pentatones album "Ouroboros" which will be released early 2015.
Distilling the original's haunting noir pop into a deep techno groove, Bug suspends tinkling chimes and tuned woodblocks around a gritty bass stab. A choir of siren voices follow, hauntingly layered as the tension builds and the riff tightens its grip on synapse and sinew alike. But all this is merely a prelude to the introduction of Delhia de France's vocals: a heartstring-pulling foil to Bug's intense repetitions, creating a heady blend that is deeply involving and instantly memorable.
An instrumental version gives harder-leaning DJs the chance to focus on the hypnotic riff and crisp, percussive touches that comprise the trademark Steve Bug sound, topping off a rich and unforgettable package.