ACTIVE SYSTEMS — The Red EP

Active Systems – The Red EP opens the Split Lip Records catalogue (SL0001) as a 12-inch vinyl that stakes a claim in the overlapping worlds of electro, techno house and Detroit-born electronica. The debut EP arrives with four tracks that weave 90s-era experimental grooves and the stark, dust-laden aesthetic of early Rephlex releases into a contemporary, slightly off-kilter dancefloor narrative. Within Split Lip’s fledgling output, The Red EP precedes the label’s next offering, The Blue EP (SL0002, 2026), positioning the record as the initial statement of a label that is already mapping a spectrum from raw techno to more melodic, colour-coded explorations. The proximity of the two EPs underlines a rapid creative dialogue between the artist and the imprint. Side A begins with “Gabbol”, a track that settles into a glacial hip-hop-inspired pulse, its chilled rhythm inviting a reflective mood before the groove deepens. The second A-side cut, “Itsover”, shifts the momentum with skippy, syncopated patterns that feel like a playful interruption to the preceding calm, offering DJs a bright, kinetic bridge between darker and lighter moments. On the flip side, “Avoid” drops a clock-shop funk vibe, its off-beat swing and subtle percussive texture giving the set a tactile, almost tactile groove that can re-energise a late-night set. The final B-side, “Maus”, closes the EP with a more introspective tone, echoing the earlier themes while pulling back into a subdued, atmospheric finish that leaves room for the next track in a DJ’s narrative. For Active Systems, The Red EP marks a genuine debut rather than a continuation of an established alias, yet it already hints at a breadth of reference points—from Underground Resistance’s militant Detroit techno to Boards of Canada’s nostalgic ambience. The subsequent Blue EP will likely extend this palette, but the debut already demonstrates a capacity to translate “dust, dirt and nostalgia” into a coherent, dancefloor-ready language. From a DJ’s perspective, the record offers a versatile toolkit: “Gabbol” works as a moody opener or a late-hour wind-down, “Itsover” can inject a burst of energy into a peak-time set, “Avoid” serves as a rhythmic pivot for groove-focused mixes, and “Maus” provides a contemplative outro or a transition into more experimental terrain. Collectors will appreciate the EP’s concise four-track format, which captures a snapshot of an emerging artist’s aesthetic while anchoring it within a label that is quickly defining its sonic identity. The Red EP is pressed on 12-inch vinyl, delivering the warm analog fidelity that complements its blend of electro, techno house and Detroit-inflected electronica. The record’s physical presence reinforces the tactile experience that the music evokes, making it a fitting addition for both crate-diggers and DJs who value the nuance of vinyl playback. Active Systems – The Red EP, Split Lip Records, catalogue SL0001, 12-inch vinyl, four tracks. Tracklist: A1. Active Systems – Gabbol A2. Active Systems – Itsover B1. Active Systems – Avoid B2. Active Systems – Maus