16 Bit Lolitas "Bits & Pieces : Volume One"

Bits & Pieces Volume One is the inaugural release on the 16 Bit Lolitas similarly titled new label Bits & Pieces. Much more then the phrase "Bits & Pieces" would imply, Volume One is a collection of expertly crafted progressive house tunes that showcase both the edgier and lighter sides of the duo´s production style.

The first track on this release ´Good Voodoo´ is certainly the best of the bunch, as the duo craft a track with an energy level that swells to enormous heights yet never loses control or becomes cheesy. Drawing on the sound that is easily recognized as the work of the 16 Bit Lolitas, ´Good Voodoo´ has a darker, edgier vibe, akin to another one of their recent tracks ´Neptune´. However they still manage to incorporate organic sounds and simple pads, creating a seamless merger of the 16 Bit Lolitas´ irresistible melodic hooks with dark, edgy grooves.

Track 2 offers up a slightly different style with ´Goodbye Pluto Version 1´, focused more on creating a deep groove, while using more simple rhythms. . Based around a very pronounced bass-line drenched with subtle sound effects and atmospherics, the track is simple and laid back, creating a fun summer-esque house vibe.

Next up is an alternate version of the former entitled ´Goodbye Pluto Version 2´ that features a style similar to the first track. The beats are dark and heavy, accompanied by a flowing synth line that pans and reverbs wildly, building momentum along with it as it swells during the break. Goodbye Pluto V2 has already made its way onto two high profile compilations from Renaissance and Global Underground, and provides another text-book example of why the 16 Bit Lolitas are so revered. This track is simply mesmerizing, with an almost magical quality to it in the way the lead melody has been crafted overtop a deep, dark groove.

Last up is the second of the two more relaxed tunes ´Anonymous But Hypnotic´, again going for that fun, upbeat house sound. With the main melody being carried by a bouncy bass-line, the other elements provide the atmosphere that seems to magically float along. It´s all about creating a deep, catchy groove that will have you hooked in an instant with this one, and it works very well to that effect.

With the amount of high quality material this duo produces, it´s only fitting that they have their own label to showcase their work. All four tracks presented here are up to par with the high standards the 16 Bit Lolitas have set for themselves. However Good Voodoo and Goodbye Pluto V2 really stand out as the best of the bunch. A top notch release from everyone´s favorite Dutch duo.