Q&A with Andy Peyton

Andy Peyton has been a big part of the London clubbing scene for a number of years. He does the booking for The Nest and The Old Queen's Head, co-owns XOYO, and has just opened up Phonox in Brixton. We went down last month to see what the new club had to offer and we were in safe hands as YoungOnes interviewee, Jasper James, was at the controls with Leftroom boss, Matt Tolfrey.

We were blown away by the new space which boasts an incredibly clear Funktion-One soundsystem, a downstairs bar, and an amazing lighting rig which was controlled live by two visual technicians. 

We caught up with Andy - READ HERE

Top 5 September Releases

The first of a new feature where members of our team pick their favourite release from the previous month.

From September we feature Special Request AKA Paul Woolford, Session Victim, &ME, Floating Points, & Gnork

READ/LISTEN HERE

Record of the Week: FLASH ATKINS - SUMMER OF LOVE REMIXES (PAPER RECORDINGS)

Flash Atkins - Summer of Love Remixes (Paper Recordings)

Paper Recordings are back with their 194th release; a triple-header compilation EP of three remixes taken originally from Flash Atkins's album, ‘The Life and Times.’ Remix duties go to Emperor Machine, Steve Cobby, and B.G. Baarregaard.  

On the A side, Emperor Machine’s remix of ‘The Summer Of Love’, brings nothing but dance floor euphoria in the form of 90’s synth pop chugging house. The prominent analogue baseline takes center stage with sexy and mysterious reverbed vocals and the odd futuristic space spree flirt throughout the mix.

On the flip, Steve Cobby’s edit of ‘Forbidden Flesh’ offers a bubbling deep disco take on the original. A carefully thought out edit with layers of directed drums & sumptuous vocals; after party vibes, 'Just say it won't stop tonight, just say it won't stop.'

Last but certainly not least, Oslo based Icelandic producer B.G. Baarregaard is back with a peak time, acid-infused nu-disco slammer. His take on ‘Badger From the North’ clearly shows why his quick rise to nu-disco fame is so apparent. His use of complex production techniques and sound track arrangement take the remix in a different direction to the original. B.G. has been turning the heads of some of the industries biggest players including Sleazy McQueen and Greg Wilson with his wicked acid infused disco style.

Overall, a good 12” with a lot to offer, a time and place for each cut and will be a staple in my record bag for the foreseeable future.

4.1/5

Words by Ed Windsor-Clive

Purchase: Vinyl

Record of the Week: MIDLAND - DOUBLE FEATURE (REGRADED)

Midland - Double Feature (ReGraded)

Apart from producing two remixes for AKASE and The Howling, Midland's been off the producing circle so far this year. However, he's back on ReGraded, a sub-label of his own imprint, Graded, which focuses mainly on sample-based, disco-tinged house music. 

On the A-side, lengthy stringed instrument movements overlay guitar sample work, which builds and builds for the duration of the track. Other instrumental sound-based play interjects throughout the track also. This is one for the disco heads.

Flip it over and you have the far more playful, hip-swinging, 'Stop (Don't Let The Beat).' Again the track builds for almost two and a half minutes before Midlands trademark deep-house drone comes in. Some might recall Aus Music's 2013 release, 'For (Yacht) Club Use Only' when listening to this track, although it is undeniable that Midland has changed his tune for sub-label, ReGraded. 

Overall a solid effort from the UK-based producer, he continues to impress year on year. 

3.8/5

Words by Matthew Barnett

Purchase: Vinyl

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Unknown Artist - Legit Edits #2 (Philpot)

Unknown Artist - Legit Edits #2 (Philpot)

The mystery surrounding records released by 'unknown artists' has become more prominent of late. The artist seems to want the heads to ask around and solve the riddle surrounding the record - it's a sure-fire way to build up hype around a release. Philpot Records have done just that on their newest release, 'Legit Edits #2.' 

I'm normally useless at attempting to identify who made a song based on just the track alone, however, Philpot owner, Michel Baumann (holder of aliases 'Jackmate' and 'Soulphiction') hasn't made it difficult to discover his secret. 

The record has Soulphiction written all over it from sampling John Lucien's 'Rashida' to filling the A side with those soulful, uplifting, organ chords. If you like what you hear, then Legit Edits #3 was released at the start of the summer. 

The A side combines many different layers of percussion with a few different organ riffs and a sample that sounds, 'Don't let the troubles of this world get you down' and so on. It's an uplifting track for these overcast September evenings. 

On the flip side the 'unknown artist' adds a dubbed out bassline to Jon Lucien's 70s track 'Rashida' which is a song about unrequited love. Apart from chopping and changing a few parts of guitar work and vocal samples, the edit stays fairly loyal to the original track. This is more of a slow, broken-beat track that is certainly less suited to the dancefloor. 

Soulphiction has once again impressed me with his editing work, yet another record to add to his long standing case against Kenny Dixon Jr's belief that white guys can't make soul. Perhaps a bit more could have been done with the B-side.

3.2/5

Words by Matthew Barnett

Purchase: Vinyl Only 

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Auntie Flo & Esa - Uganda (Highlife World Series)

Auntie Flo & Esa - Uganda (Highlife World Series)

Auntie Flo and Esa are back with the third and final installment of the Highlife World Series. The Highlife World Series is a collaborative project in which Auntie Flo and Esa traveled to Cuba, Kenya and Uganda, creating tracks with local artists. Auntie flow hails from Glasgow while Esa Williams is from Cape Town. For the past few years they have both been an integral part of the Glaswegian music scene, though now they both reside in London. Not only does this project shed light on talented artists from around the world, all the proceeds from each release will be sent back to their respective countries to fund further musical endeavors.

Doadoa14 features an incredible baseline layered with a soothing vocal performance from Christopher and thumping afro jazz grooves.

Esa’s 12’ mix of Sanitary’s “Min Kula’ fuses traditional East African instruments such as the kalimba, with layered vocals and a booming baseline. With the addition of a rather mischievous piano riff, this track is sure to keep you moving.

The record allows its self to breath with 'Africa Ni Lea' (Africa is today). A crisp track bursting with optimism. The guitar riff merges with the vocals allowing beautiful harmony along with smooth drum grooves rolling beneath. This track seamlessly combines organic and synthetic sounds, which I believe is what this project is all about.

The Record ends with Behrs remix of ‘Africa Ni Lea’. This track really turns the original on its head. Although this version ditches the prosperity of the original, it takes the track to a far darker place, resulting in an intriguing sonic experience.

A collaborative project of this nature will always bear interesting results and Highlife World Series Uganda certainly did that. If you like what you hear make sure you check out the rest of the series as well the blog that goes with it.

 

3.8/5

Words by Tobias Young

Purchase: Vinyl / Digital

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Auden - Hunger (Hotflush)

Auden - Hunger (Hotflush 043)

The mysterious Hotflush alias, Auden, is back with its third EP on the imprint. It was safe to say after Auden's sophisticated debut release in July last year, that this was not a junior in the  producing game. Auden's second release 'Wall to Wall,' reinforced the producer's eclectic musical style.

I was expecting all sorts when it came to listening to this release, and 'Hunger,' the A1, kept that oath. The track crescendos vocally into a hard-hitting bassline, before closing out with quieter violin sounds. 

'Simmer Down' keeps you bouncing up and down, and leaves you wanting more of its wobbly character. It's the kind of track that could light up any dancefloor at any given time. 

The third original 'Sewer System' is more down-tempo than the other tracks. It's use of eerie chords and crackling pulses are certainly interesting, yet don't live up to the tone of the other tracks.

Alan Fitzpatrick's remix of 'Hunger' is, to no surprise, a real winner as the techno titan maintains the fierce approach Auden went for with the original.

Auden is a no-nonsense techno producer following no one's style but its own. 'Hunger' continues to indicate that Auden is not afraid to break boundaries. This is certainly the strongest release to date.

3.9/5

Words by Ben Carey

Purchase: Digital /  Vinyl

 

 

Winter is Coming

Here at Y.O we are delighted that autumn is upon us, the nights are getting darker, and sunrise later. There's something about autumn and winter that spurs people to go out to clubs and be together as one, listening to the same music. Living for the weekend is a particularly strong ethos throughout the UK, but it is especially prominent here in London where we have such a strong array of clubs, new and old. With that in mind, we've decided to compile a list of clubs and nights to look forward to as a chill in the air approaches.

READ HERE

 

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Tom Blip - Wrong Guanco (Blip Discs)

Tom Blip - Wrong Guanco (Blip Discs 002) 

Blip Discs is back with another brilliant record from label owner Tom Blip. After releasing an O'Flynn record which flew off the shelves in a matter of days Blip Discs had to repress a limited number of the debut release, so there might be some knocking about if you missed it the first time (Bradley Zero and Gilles Peterson got theirs).

This record further explores the label's tropical mindset with the title track exercising a relentless, and seemingly unending conga workout. The track is nicely balanced out with a marching bassline that will keep you dancing all night long.

The flip side this continues in the right direction. 'Shekere', the name of the B1, is a West African percussion instrument that plays it's role, flirting with the wobbling bassline. This certainly a track for the earlier hours of the morning. 

Blip Discs now have two interesting records under their belt and they're definitely a label to keep an eye on. 

3.6/5

 

Purchase: Digital / Vinyl 

Words by Matthew Barnett

EP Review: Henry Wu - Good Morning Peckham (Rhythm Section Intl)

Henry Wu - Good Morninf Peckham (Rhythm Section Intl.) 

 

After releasing EPs on Odd Socks and Ho-Tep, West Croydon’s Henry Wu has ticked all the boxes again on Rhythm Section’s seventh release, captained by DJ, promoter and Boiler Room man, Bradley Zero.

The album makes use of spoken word pieces, live bass guitar and broken beats; the B1 for example, sounds like the improvised claps are going to slide off the glossy vinyl as I sit here writing this review. 

Wu contends with house-focused tracks well, ‘Dubplate Special’ and Croydon Depot, yet it’s clear that his speciality lies in the more spaced out tracks. What I find so amazing is that I can play this album in the evening at a friend’s house after a few drinks, yet it doesn’t feel out of place on hazy mornings at eight o’clock.

Some would say that this means that it is a well-rounded album; that there are some tracks that suit certain situations and some that suit others – and that’s true, but Wu delves deeper in my opinion. His talent for bringing so many different musical layers together makes this album stand out.

The only criticism I have is that I’d love to see an extended version of Croydon Depot and Dubplate Special.

This varied album, brilliantly arranged and stitched together by spoke word interludes is the kind of record that will have people arguing for hours over just which track is the best. 

 

4.2/5

 

Purchase: Digital / Vinyl  

Words by Matthew Barnett

 

Record of the Week: HNNY - Good (Studio Barnhus)

Record Of The Week is a new, weekly feature for YoungOnes. From now on it will be posted on Thursdays in order to allow you to get your ears wrapped around it over the weekend. 

 

HNNY – Good (Studio Barnhus 030)

HNNY’s had a busy year so far, releasing three very different records on three different labels. Some would have said that the Omena 7” was slightly disappointing in comparison to the ‘Solsidan/Alby’ release on Let’s Play House, which included a stunning remix from Berlin’s Avalon Emerson.

However, HNNY returns after a four-year absence from his first label, Studio Barnhus, with a three-track EP that will soundtrack the rest of your summer. Simple samba beats allow melodies and samples to drift in and out of all three tracks seamlessly. Caypio seems to be designed not only for those summer afternoons but also packs enough of a Balearic punch for the dancefloor.

The title track, Good, again straddles the margins of where this record should be played. Good’s deep house grooves are filtered out until HNNY introduces a signature punchy vocal, after which the track springs back to life.

The ten-minute B2, Kitigai, continues the EP’s easy listening and approachable sound, but is perhaps more tailored for a club environment. It might have been nice to have a remix somewhere in there but all in all, the Swede has been hard at work this year, crafting two brilliant records for two brilliant labels.

 

4.0/5

 

Purchase:  Digital  /  Vinyl

 

Words by Matthew Barnett