DUPLEX — First Day EP

Duplex – First Day EP arrives on Dolly Records as catalogue DOLLY016, a 12-inch vinyl that continues the Dutch deep-house lineage with a sleek, minimal aesthetic. The EP, slated for 9 October 2026, gathers three interstellar-leaning techno cuts and a Steven Tang remix, offering a concise yet richly textured journey for the dancefloor. Within Dolly Records’ autumn surge, First Day EP shares its release date with a cluster of notable outings: Basic Soul Unit’s “Wallow” (DOLLY027), Brooks Mosher’s “Don’t Say Goodbye” (DOLLY019), Rosati’s “Chasing The Sun LP” (DOLLYTS18) and John Barera & Will Martin’s “Graceless” (DOLLY020). Earlier entries on the label such as Jani Ho’s “Soul Mechanica” (DOLLYTS13), Juri Heidemann’s “Echo Mute” (DOLLYTS11) and Thanos Hana’s “Sliced Glitter, No Shampoo” (DOLLYTS16) have already set a tone of forward-thinking house, and Duplex’s contribution feels like a natural extension of that palette. Side A opens with “First Day Jx3PO”. The title hints at a cinematic departure, and the track delivers a warm, rolling groove that balances deep-house depth with a subtle, futuristic sheen. Its steady pulse makes it a solid foundation for mixing, while the evolving texture invites extended play on a late-night set. The second cut on the side, “First Day (Steven Tang Remix)”, reinterprets the opening theme with a more driving energy. Tang’s touch adds a crisp, kinetic edge that heightens the momentum, offering DJs a ready-made peak moment without sacrificing the EP’s overall restraint. Flipping to side B, “Skystream” continues the celestial motif. Its minimal arrangement builds a hypnotic current, allowing the rhythm to breathe while maintaining a forward thrust that works well as a bridge between deeper selections and more propulsive moments. The final track, “Almost There”, rounds out the record with a slightly more reflective tone. The progression from the opening track through to this closing piece creates a subtle narrative arc, guiding the listener from launch to a gentle descent, a structure that can be exploited for both peak-time impact and more nuanced, after-hours storytelling. In the context of Duplex’s output, this EP reaffirms the duo’s reputation as Rotterdam techno veterans who have consistently merged deep-house sensibilities with a forward-looking techno mindset. While the supplied data lists no other releases on Dolly Records for the act, the sound here aligns with the polished, interstellar vibe that has become their signature, reinforcing their position within the label’s forward-thinking roster. For DJs, the record offers a versatile toolkit. “First Day Jx3PO” provides a deep, groove-centric entry point; the Tang remix supplies a higher-energy lift; “Skystream” works as a seamless transition piece, and “Almost There” can close a set or serve as a reflective interlude. The sequencing respects the flow of a vinyl set, making it an attractive addition for collectors who value both sonic cohesion and the tactile experience of crate digging. The release is pressed as a standard 12-inch vinyl, matching the format expectations of deep-house and minimal-house aficionados who appreciate the analog warmth and ritual of needle-drop performance. Duplex – First Day EP, Dolly Records, catalogue DOLLY016, 12-inch vinyl, four tracks. Tracklist: A1. Duplex – First Day Jx3PO A2. Duplex – First Day (Steven Tang Remix) B1. Duplex – Skystream B2. Duplex – Almost There