STAB9 — Orbis EP

Stab9 – Orbis EP opens on Tooloop Records with catalogue number TLP010, a 12-inch vinyl that steps into the label’s expanding minimal-house and tech-house realm. The four-track record arrives on 2 October 2026, marking a moment of evolution for both the artist and the imprint, with longer arrangements and a more immersive sonic palette. While the label’s broader catalogue is not detailed here, the EP’s placement as the tenth release underscores Tooloop’s ongoing development of a cohesive “Tooloop universe”. The description from the label points to an intention to deepen the sound world, and the music itself follows that brief, moving from fluid beginnings to a more rounded conclusion. Side A begins with “Source”, a track that unfolds in several distinct phases. Its arrangement constantly evolves, with shifting textures and bass changes that reveal new details as the groove progresses, keeping the listener engaged through subtle dynamic variations. The title track “Orbis” follows, turning the mood toward warmer tones. Classic house-inspired sounds sit alongside melancholic pads and a polyrhythmic bass movement; a rolling low-end and intricate percussion tilt the piece toward techno, evoking the circular motion suggested by its name. Side B opens with “Beastro”, a gradual ascent built on a restrained, growling bassline and fractured hi-hats. Midway through, the track pauses in an engine-cut moment, a brief suspension that heightens anticipation before the groove resumes its forward drive. The final cut, “True Story”, walks forward with a steady bassline, intricate hi-hats and smeared percussion, creating a sense of movement through constantly morphing textures. A restrained melody embraces a “less is more” ethos, closing the EP with a bittersweet sense of mono no aware. Within Stab9’s output, this EP showcases a personal approach where detailed studio craftsmanship meets the kinetic energy of the dancefloor. The record’s evolving structures and nuanced dynamics make it a versatile tool for DJs seeking both subtle progression and moments of heightened tension. “Source” can serve as an intro, its fluid phases allowing seamless mixing into deeper sets, while “Orbis” offers a warm, techno-tinged groove suitable for peak-time transitions. “Beastro” provides a dramatic pause that can be used to reset a set’s momentum, and “True Story” works as a reflective closing statement, its melodic restraint lending itself to late-night or after-hours moments. Collectors will appreciate the 12-inch format that captures the EP’s extended arrangements and dynamic shifts, offering a tactile listening experience that mirrors the label’s vision of an immersive presentation. The vinyl medium preserves the subtle texture changes and evolving bass movements that define each track, making the record a compelling addition for those who value both sonic depth and physical format. Stab9 – Orbis EP, Tooloop Records, catalogue TLP010, 12-inch vinyl, four tracks. Tracklist: A1. Stab9 – Source A2. Stab9 – Orbis B1. Stab9 – Beastro B2. Stab9 – True Story