Dday One & Lex (De Kalhex) – Parallel Presence – 7 Vinyl

The Content Label presents a dynamic new split EP from Lex (de Kalhex) and Dday One, titled Parallel Presence. The EPs title reveals some clues: parallel refers to something similar to another, while presence imagines a thing that exists but is not seen. These two producers, as kindred spirits, strive to work on this deeper level. Parallel Presence is an expressive step forward, presenting intricate beats, thoughtful samples, and otherworldly vibes colluding towards a mesmerizing whole.

Los Angeles based producer Dday One bookends the EP with Key Signature and Moving Force, displaying his undisputed acumen for rhythm construction and skillful arrangement. The opening track, in particular, is a beat-heads manna, featuring a serpentine bass line, staccato vocals, and heavy piano riffs, all synchronized at a headnodic tempo. Alex Besikian aka Lex (de Kalhex) is a visual artist, producer, and MC, known as the co-founder of Pariss Akromgalie Records and 1/3 of seminal French hip hop group Kalhex. His cuts Brilliant Circleswith its night owl drum beat, tinkling electric keys, and gentle horn lineand Solsticefeaturing ringing tones, bluesy guitar riffs, velvet saxophone, and some serious rhythm playuncannily compliment Dday Ones contributions, cementing Parallel Presence as an EP best ingested from front to back.

Visual and audio art also come together in the projects cover design, which was a collaborative effort of the two producers. The Content Label aims to bring together distinct forms of expression, with sound, thought, and visual art combining through the imprints releases. Parallel Presence is just the latest evidence.