RUIZ OSC1 CROWD013: Western Ballroom RUIZ OSC1 // 12'' Vinyl

CROWD welcomes RUIZ OSC1 back to the label, this time for her first solo EP on the imprint. The Colombian DJ and producer delivers a five-track EP that brings tough, entrancing techno together with a distinctive approach to sound design, drawing on what she describes as “folkloric techno”. She works within the established language of the genre, using repetition, focused synth motifs and a strong sense of rhythm to shape her own sound.

The vinyl's A-side opens with the intro 'Western Ballroom', where a short, repeating bleep provides the track's central theme, eventually joined by reverberated drum breaks that push the track towards its climax. 'Old Michigan' takes a more direct approach, introducing the EP's first kick drum alongside a deep bassline. A repeating three-note synth pattern and spoken-word vocals, alternating between reversed and direct playback, lend the track an otherworldly quality, while sparse percussion leaves room for these elements to unfold. 'Acido Romantico' follows with a series of brief acid squelches and repeating one-note synth line, backed by a high-pitched drone that gives the track a persistent sense of tension. Stuttering sound design and subtle detuning keep the elements in constant motion, while a rolling tom bassline and tough kick give the track its frenetic drive.

'Bismarck Pavillion' opens the B-side and immediately establishes its energy through a clap that lands alongside every kick while repeating chord stabs and bleeping synth tones are joined by swelling pads that move in and out of the arrangement. Vocal chops add another recurring element, becoming part of the track's rhythmic section. 'Fonky' takes a more stripped-back approach, built around a frantic half-bar synth sequence and repeated vocal shots. The looping pattern locks into a simple, forceful arrangement of a rumbling kicks and toms, creating an irresistible quality through repetition and unwavering intensity. The digital bonus track 'Power Plant' closes the EP with a repeating two-hit chord motif surrounded by piercing acid squeals that emerge during the break as vocal hits make a return, full bodied percussion, kick and rumble providing the framework underneath.

With the 13th release on FJAAK's and Elli Acula's CROWD imprint, RUIZ OSC1 brings her own interpretation of techno to the label, combining crafty synth work and repetitive structures with a raw rhythmic sensibility. Across five tracks she shows how much character can come from restraint, giving each element room to breathe without ever losing any strength.