Sidequests: Chapter 3

Berlin-Hamburg duo Session Victim bring their celebrated 'Sidequests' trilogy to a close with Chapter Three on Delusions Of Grandeur, wrapping up the series in signature style-full of warmth, groove and left-of-center touches that remind us why their music has remained so enduring over nearly two decades. Once again blurring the lines between live instrumentation, crate-digging textures, and deep house aesthetics, the record feels like both a culmination and a new beginning.Opening the A-side, 'Too Soft To Be Loud' with Viken Arman finds German house pioneer Ian Pooley reworking the original into a sleek, floor-focused roller on his remix. Shuffling drums, glowing synth pads, and that distinctive Pooley touch elevate the track into prime late-night territory, striking a balance between hypnotic subtlety and groove-driven energy.Following on A2, 'Know Less' with Viken Arman showcases the magic of Session Victim's continued collaboration with the French producer. A heady, slow-burning cut that layers dreamy strings, glitchy keys, and a syncopated bassline, the track unfolds patiently, rewarding deep listeners with moments of spacious beauty and understated intensity.Flipping over to B1 - 'Broken Coast' with Viken Arman heads into cinematic territory, combining driving drums, delicate Rhodes fragments, and immersive atmospherics. There's a mysterious, almost soundtrack-like quality here-capturing the ominous mood of an after dark stroll around NYC's Central Park in the 70's, while maintaining the unmistakable swing of Session Victim's grooves.Closing out the trilogy in style - 'Rain or Shine' introduces a new collaboration with rising producer Eo, weaving together intricate downtempo rhythms and jazzy vocal chops. Balancing lightness and depth, the track grooves along effortlessly giving off a sun-soaked energy-an uplifting finale to the 'Sidequests' journey.With Chapter Three, Session Victim deliver yet another set of genre-defying pieces that honor their deep musical roots while pointing toward fresh possibilities. Their chemistry with long-time collaborators, coupled with the ever-trusted Delusions Of Grandeur platform, ensures the 'Sidequests' trilogy will stand as a modern classic in their discography.TracklistinA1. Session Victim & Viken Arman - Too Soft To Be Loud (Ian Pooley Remix)A2. Session Victim & Viken Arman - Know Less B1. Session Victim & Viken Arman - Broken Coast B2. Session Victim & Eo - Rain or Shine