SQUASH — Minimal Effort EP

Squash – Minimal Effort EP arrives on Gradient as catalogue GR005, a 12-inch vinyl that channels the early-2000s tech-house aesthetic while hinting at a freshly honed sonic direction. The EP’s four tracks sit comfortably within the label’s recent output, offering a concise yet varied glimpse of Squash’s evolving palette. Within Gradient’s recent catalogue the EP follows the “Now! That’s What I Call Spanglecore” by Mella Dee (G004, 2026) and sits alongside a series of “Uncertain Landscape” compilations (GRA005-GRA007, 2020). Though the exact release dates of those entries are unclear, the label’s trajectory from experimental compilations to more dancefloor-oriented releases provides a useful frame: Minimal Effort EP continues Gradient’s commitment to forward-thinking tech house while re-engaging with the genre’s early-2000s roots. Side A opens with “Minimal Effort”, a track that pairs spoken-word fragments with a hypnotic roll, evoking the opening moments of classic tech house sets and designed to awaken any dancefloor. It is followed by “Texaco Skate”, a tribal-inflected groove that introduces dubbed-out chords, delivering a party-starter energy that can slot into any point of a night’s progression. The B-side shifts toward a more nocturnal mood. “Surge” brings a pumping bassline that pushes the momentum forward, while “Can't Make You Love Me” leans into an ethereal, hazy atmosphere suited to early-morning after-hours. Together these two cuts balance drive and ambience, rounding off the record with a thoughtful, club-ready finish. Squash’s recent discography includes “Changes” and “Satisfy Me” on Healer Records (HEALER001-HEALER002, 2026) as well as the “M Series” on R.A.N.D. Muzik Recordings (RM12043, 2026). Those releases explored a range of tech-house textures, and Minimal Effort EP consolidates that exploration into a tighter, more focused statement that feels both a continuation and a refinement of the artist’s output. In the current underground landscape, where tech house often oscillates between minimal restraint and maximal energy, this EP offers a balanced proposition. Its nod to early-2000s sensibilities provides a familiar reference point for seasoned collectors, while the fresh production details keep it relevant for contemporary sets. For DJs, the record supplies clear entry points: “Minimal Effort” works as an opener or a warm-up, “Texaco Skate” can ignite a peak, and the B-side tracks serve as late-night or sunrise selections. Collectors will appreciate the concise four-track format, which delivers a complete narrative without filler, and the pressing’s 12-inch format ensures ample groove for nuanced playback. Squash – Minimal Effort EP, Gradient GR005, 12-inch vinyl, four tracks. Tracklist: A1. Squash – Minimal Effort A2. Squash – Texaco Skate B1. Squash – Surge B2. Squash – Can't Make You Love