DJ Koze - XTC (PAMPA024)

DJ Koze's 2013 album opus Amygdala has continued to bewitch all who encounter it since its release. Tipped as his own personal Sgt. Pepper, the sublime long-player revealed a fully-realised and personal body of work, complete with a classic songwriting at its core, House in its heart, and veins coursing with psychedelic color. La Duquesa' was the album's dreamy single standout, a journey into deep, tropical ecstasy. XTC' begins in the same spirit, and captures the all the blissful allusions of its name, but its initial gentility belies the deep intensity to come. Floating pads glow with celestial ambience as a kick drum is gradually coaxed into solid form, and the introduction of spoken text begins the second act. Many people are experimenting with the drug Ecstasy,' it says, ...is the drug like the lie and meditation the truth Or am I missing something that could really help me". XTC' then transforms: sweetly imploring tones become demanding, gentle gradients between chords turn hard-edged, and sharp hi-hats cut through the haze. Complete with Koze's signature percussive quirks, it drives towards the track's final pay off: an undeniable, all-consuming, irresistible high. Knee On Belly' recalls Koze at his most tongue-in-cheek and overt, it is bright, bold and literally brassy, using cut-up horns of all shapes and sizes to patchwork together his own unique arrangement. With the highs and mid ranges accounted for, Koze adds in a swollen, thrumming bass line to mix to bring this floor-filler to life. Knee on Belly' recalls a raw, filtered and funky approach to groove, with a nod to disco house and the art of artful sampling, as it orbits between its own neon highs and simmering lows.

(C) Pampa Records 2015

[mohamedredaabdou]

I heard this in BERGHAIN PANORAMA BAR 2015. People who have been in Pbar know how good is the sound system. Life was so cool.

[billbrasky]

For anyone curious, the voice sample is from a question made by an audience member who was attending a 1986 Osho sermon on meditation.

[JeffLogan]

I landed in Reykjavik Iceland for the first time on a snowy March day. Popped this on in the rental car and drove and drove and drove a magical drive to Vik. Every time I hear this song it reminds me of this magical drive in southern Iceland.

[jackstevens]

Imagine hearing this as the sun came up, raving for hours with your mates

[swaroopshetty]

A song called XTC, the vibe, sensation and feel the song induces is very reminiscent of XTC, but then the sample advocatez against the use of XTC. I must say quite intelligent.
The very reason I fell in love with Electronic Music

[billbrasky]

So cool to think that this track alone inspired the Swedish singer Robyn to go back into the studio and record her album 'Honey'.

[TheSonicdruid]

Just bought this on vinyl... let's go!

[jammy-]

This track and a sunset/night drive is an absolute vibe

[scottgray]

Just managed to get a re press of this :) x Happy days x

[ronnymang]

jeden Morgen beginnt damit mein Tag mit diesem Track als Weckruf. Und ich weiß es wird damit ein guter Tag :-) Danke dafür.... I loving it!

[lungabivandlovu]

It's always heart warming going to YouTube and leaving a comment about a song you've just been introduced to you replay dwell and so forth... what a beauty by KOZE.. forever producing beautiful music... in 2021 I salute love from South Africa Durban 🇿🇦

[blackbembel]

This Tune could go months and months and months...on and on and on....endlessly...

[DenizCanBulut]

That lyrics are not just about xtc it is about the life itself

[anthonymcgrath]

discovering this in 2025 - fantastic ❤❤❤

[idolbob]

I heard you say once
That a lie is sweet in the beginning
And bitter in the end
And truth is bitter in the beginning
And sweet in the end

[bitdex]

This is high level artwork, sweet in the beginning...bitter in the end.
I want to stay in the sweet beginning (awesome sound of peace), but at end the of day the reality will get you...

[neemabeglou]

Gottwood 2014 <3
I get shivers thinking back.
Misty woodland with beautiful light effects everywhere. With this uniting the crowd.
Fuck me what a moment

[AviationTV]

This has the same feeling as if watching stars rotating around the night sky.

[Zzischi]

ovo je...među najvećim umetničkim poduhvatima u 21. veku.

[julcsitar]

wonderful depth, it recalls so many feelings..