PURELINK — To / Deep

Purelink – To / Deep The Chicago trio returns with NAFF017, a 12-inch vinyl issued by NAFF that situates itself at the intersection of experimental ambient, techno beats and dub-inflected textures. “To / Deep” expands the duo’s earlier digital EP from 2021 with two fresh cuts, offering a four-track statement that balances crystalline precision with the warm, enveloping ambience that has become a hallmark of their output. Within NAFF’s current roster, “To / Deep” joins a series of releases that explore the label’s left-field sensibility, such as Maara’s “Ultra Villain LP 2x12” (NAFF029) and Jump Source’s “Fold LP 2x12” (NAFF032). Though the exact chronology is unspecified, the record shares the label’s penchant for blending dub-derived rhythms with experimental structures, reinforcing NAFF’s reputation for forward-thinking electronic music. Side A opens with “Earth To”, a track that immediately immerses the listener in a shifting soundscape, its title evoking a sense of planetary distance that is mirrored by the music’s expansive ambience. The follow-up, “Not That Deep”, continues the journey, offering a slightly more introspective mood while maintaining the rhythmic undercurrent that ties the side together, making both cuts suitable for early-set layering. Side B revisits the duo’s earlier material. “Maintain The Bliss”, originally a digital-only EP piece, is presented here with an added angularity that sharpens its hypnotic groove, allowing it to function as a bridge between deeper, meditative passages and more kinetic moments on the dancefloor. “Head On A Swivel” concludes the record with a rhythmic twist, its title suggesting a pivot that the music delivers through evolving percussive patterns that keep the momentum alive without losing the ambient core. In the context of Purelink’s recent discography, “To / Deep” follows the 2025 “Signs” (PEAK18) and “Faith” (PEAK23) releases on Peak Oil, both 12-inch vinyl outings that explored similar terrain of warm, enveloping sound design. While those records leaned heavily into dub-pop textures, this NAFF release pushes further into experimental territory, adding the “crystalline angularity” noted by the label and positioning the trio at the forefront of contemporary underground electronic music. For DJs, the record offers two distinct entry points: the A-side tracks provide atmospheric layers ideal for opening or transition sets, while the B-side cuts bring a more defined rhythmic drive that can be mixed into peak-time moments. Collectors will appreciate the continuity of Purelink’s evolving aesthetic and the way the updated versions of “Maintain The Bliss” and “Head On A Swivel” reinterpret earlier material within a cohesive vinyl framework. The release arrives as a standard 12-inch vinyl, reflecting NAFF’s commitment to analog presentation without additional embellishments. Its four tracks span the experimental ambient and dub-beat spectrum, delivering a concise yet richly textured listening experience. Purelink – To / Deep, NAFF, catalogue NAFF017, 12-inch vinyl, four tracks. Tracklist: A1. Purelink – Earth To A2. Purelink – Not That Deep B1. Purelink – Maintain The Bliss B2. Purelink – Head On A Swivel