As a flourishing record label under the Desert Hearts umbrella, Desert Hearts Black has long been the home for acts who flirt with the more melodic tones of house and techno. However, in hopes of targeting a global audience, the imprint is expanding its Rolodex to include a more varied sound loaded with grit and groove.
At the helm of this new sonic journey is label head and Desert Hearts co-founder Marbs. The Southern California native has released an introspective EP born out of the confines of isolation from the global pandemic. Titled Minds on the Run, the project features three original recordings alongside a remix from Spanish techno veteran Oscar L.
Described by Marbs as a "twisted trip through my mind and an exploration of the sounds I love," the EP wraps itself in different worlds, as each track acts as its own universe, unique and independent from the rest.
In the opening cut, "Needed Time," we find Marbs diving under a rolling bassline and melodic risers accompanied by haunting vocal elements. The seven-minute-long record flows into the contrasting sounds on "Mental Gymnastics". This riveting song feeds into the night with its punching backbeat and staccato synths.