EX_LIBRIS — 004

ex_libris – 004 The fourth installment of Dave Huismans' ex_libris series arrives as a 12-inch vinyl, catalogued EX_L004, and continues the label’s exploration of electronica-inflected pop house. Described as a tightly focused suite of slowly unfolding, percussive mid-tempo mosaics, the record leans into bare-bones arrangements while extracting maximal dynamic range, letting rhythm drive each narrative. Hand-stamped sleeves by designer Bernie van Vlijmen and mastering by Anne Taegert at Dubplates & Mastering add a tactile, craft-oriented finish to the release. Within this volume the emphasis on rhythmic development is evident from the opening cut. The first side opens with “A1 12: kinetic sculpture”, a piece that builds its momentum through incremental percussive layers, establishing a pulse that feels both meditative and propulsive. Its title suggests a sculptural process, and the music mirrors that by shaping a slowly evolving groove that can sit comfortably at the start of a set, inviting DJs to layer it under more melodic elements. Following that, “A2 11: mirage” shifts the atmosphere toward a more elusive, shimmering feel. The track maintains the mid-tempo pacing but introduces subtle variations that give the impression of a fleeting image on the horizon, making it suitable for transitional moments where a set needs to glide between more grounded rhythms and airy textures. The record’s B-side concludes with “B1 35: all over”, a composition that expands the percussive narrative into a broader, more encompassing soundscape. Its title hints at an all-encompassing sweep, and the music delivers a sense of resolution while still retaining the series’ characteristic restraint. The track’s structure provides DJs with a powerful closing tool, capable of anchoring the final phase of a set or serving as a bridge into deeper, more atmospheric territory. Although this is the fourth volume, the series’ continuity lies in its focus on rhythm as the primary storytelling device, a thread that runs through each of Huismans’ releases under the ex_libris moniker. The current record’s percussive emphasis places it squarely within contemporary underground electronic music, where producers often prioritize evolving grooves over overt melodic hooks. Its mid-tempo tempo and pop house sensibility make it adaptable for both peak-time moments and more introspective, late-night sessions. For DJs, the record offers three distinct yet cohesive tools. “A1 12: kinetic sculpture” works as an opener or a deep-house anchor; “A2 11: mirage” serves as a transitional piece that can be layered with vocal or synth lines; and “B1 35: all over” provides a strong, rhythm-driven climax or a smooth exit. Collectors will appreciate the hand-stamped artwork and the mastering quality that highlights the subtle dynamic shifts embedded in each track. The release is pressed on 12-inch vinyl, adhering to the format that has long been the medium of choice for DJ-oriented electronic music. Its physical presentation, from the hand-stamped sleeve to the mastering by Anne Taegert, underscores a commitment to tactile, high-quality production values. ex_libris – 004, ex_libris, catalogue EX_L004, 12-inch vinyl, three tracks. Tracklist: A1. ex_libris – A1 12: kinetic sculpture A2. ex_libris – A2 11: mirage A3. ex_libris – B1 35: all over