RECORD OF THE WEEK: Guy Andrews - Our Spaces [Houndstooth]
Up this week is Guy Andrews’s debut LP ‘Our Spaces’ on Fabric’s own Houndstooth imprint. The London label continues to break boundaries with this radical collection of immersive soundscapes. Previous works from Andrews have ranged from the more ambient and instrumental projects of Iambic and Moving Dawn Orchestra, to dance floor hits on Scuba’s Hotflush label. This LP sees him strike a balance between the two with a well defined song based structure that feels as much like a live set as a studio album. Using formidable chorus lines, heavy percussions and a mass of synthesizers there is an ever present lo end hum to Andrews’s album that radiates with rich textures and a sound that roars proudly out of the speakers.
Straight from the opening track ‘Higher Waters’, Andrews creates a multi-layered world that continues to soar right through to the finish. ‘In Autumn Arms’ demonstrates his ability to create emotional catchy melodies by joining quirky synth lines with a simple guitar riff. The more linear dance tracks ‘Without Names’ and ‘Decipher’ give a nice break from the all encompassing sounds he chiefly projects; check out the title track to know what I mean there! Though some may find this heavy on the surface, the nature of his digital production gives a delicate analog sound underneath it all which makes this LP all the more interesting, innovative and impressive.
4.2/5
Words by Ben S
What's On | March
RECORD OF THE WEEK: Calibre - AMEN TUNE FEAT. DJ MARKY [Signature Recordings]
Yet another masterpiece pulled from the depths of Calibre’s hard drive, 'Amen Tune’ is part of the 'Shelflife' series. The Shelflife albums are landmark items for DnB fans, with Calibre every few years bringing out a compilation of unreleased tracks that would otherwise be sitting, gathering dust on the….(get it?) Shellfire 4 was released in early 2016, and ‘Amen Tune’ is one track we are very grateful Calibre was able to give us the keys. Once relegated to the backs of his extensive record crates, Dominic Martin (Calibre) clearly had a change of heart, and the results are breathtaking. The work of two masters combining (the track features the Brazilian maestro DJ Marky), the crescendo of the piano riffs and the drum beat builds eclectically, with Calibre bringing in his customary shuffling snare beat along the way. The combination of all the elements is sumptuous, with the vocals giving the added bonus of a second melody to a track that really doesn’t need one in the first place. Martin even painted the artwork himself, which begs the question - what can’t this guy do?
4.0 / 5
Words by Tom
RECORD OF THE WEEK: AMBIVALENT - DAYLIGHTS [COCOON]
Kevin McHugh aka Ambivalent debuts on Sven Vath's legendary label Cocoon in some style with a dancefloor bomb 'Daylights', the lead track from the two track EP. The US born, Berlin based Ambivalent has previously released on some of dance music's most respected labels such as Minus & Mobilee.
'Daylights' holds a strong aura from start to finish with those slapping snares keeping you on your toes. The robust bassline is unmissable and has a real driving character that is irresistible. The vocals compliment the intense nature of the record, certainly one for the big room sets, full of flavour and high in energy.
3.9/5
Words by Ben C
RECORD OF THE WEEK: DANCE SPIRIT - LATE NIGHT EARLY MORNINGS (BEDOUIN REMIX) [SUPERNATURE]
This record of the week was re-released through Kindisch Records five days ago in a mix compilation album appropriately titled ‘Beautiful World’ This is a more relaxed, low key number by one of my key duos to watch in the more melodic laid back techno/house bracket at the moment. Bedouin really began making waves last year, and this track had a large part to play in that. The blend between its cinematic & Spanish colours along side the pulsating bass tones and driving rhythm are to their credit. They’ve recently released on City Fox following this tracks success. Rumours of an imminent Innervisions release are circulating.
4/5
Words by Chris
RECORD OF THE WEEK: CHRISSY - GROWL EP [Freerange]
So here we welcome Chrissy, a Chicago-based DJ and producer, who has released this five-track EP on Freerange Records.
The title track, Growl, features Shaun J Wright with some classic house vocals behind a slow building back beat. It’s a good opener but hasn’t got anything on the next track, which is a Grade “A” stormer. 'Presidential Astrologer' is an intergalactic disco quest. Excellent synth and baseline play wraps around your ears right from the start, grabbing your full attention.
Savile’s on the remix for the next track and has very much put his own stamp on it. This one’s got a longer introduction and a deeper, smoother, bassline that is complimented by the gentle percussion.
The finishing track 'Loudness Wars' explores a darker path on the EP, yet still remains on that spacey, galactic line.
Overall this EP shows the broad range of what Chrissy is capable of alongside the likes of Savile and Shaun J Wright.
3.6/5
Words by Barney
RECORD OF THE WEEK: Fatima Al Qadiri - Battery [Hyperdub Records]
Fatima Al Qadiri brings us ‘Battery’ an eerie cut off her latest album ‘Brute’ which is due to be released in March.
Released on Hyperdub Records ‘Battery’ is another sparsely arranged track, laced with incredible texture. In traditional Al Qadiri style the track uses a series of really interesting sounds including choir sounds, glassy synths and something that sounds like an 8bit lions raw…
Battery has an extremely unique sense of space which is only reinforced by the use of dissonant melody, this is something the Kuwaiti always seems to get so right. If ‘Battery’ is anything to go by we're in for a treat with ‘Brute’ - also amazing cover art.
‘Brute’ will be released on the 4th of March.
Words by Tobias
What's On - February Picks
Fred P & Lakuti at The Pickle Factory
It has been more rare of late that the New York house veteran, Fred P AKA Black Jazz Consortium, has played in London. However, teaming up with Uzuri boss and personal friend, Lakuti, does seem to be an interesting fixture. The Pickle Factory, one of the new era clubs that has sprung up in London, prides itself on its intimate space that boasts a custom sound rig. It should be the perfect setting for the two DJs to play in.
Bade Presents: Extrawelt (Live), Nick Hoppner, Terriers (Live) at Oval Space
Having seen the Bade boys Brothers Black and Talk&Smoke at their label showcase at Gottwood last year and in light of YO's recent 'One to Watch' feature on the label we're keen to see them play in a club environment and what better way with industry leaders Nick Höppner and Extrawelt headlining their upcoming event. Techno heavy but with heaps character and variation; get on down to Bethnal Green's Oval Space on the 6th, it's sure to be a stomper.
Scuba + Alan Fitzpatrick + Paul Woolford + Room 2: Lando at XOYO
Scuba's '12 weeks of Techno' residency at XOYO kicked off early last month and so far he has had Kenny Larkin, Deetron, Jimmy Edgar, Trevino, Ryan Elliott, Kowton, Peverlist & Shackleton all grace the stage at the East London club. This 13th he's reeled in Hotflush & Drumcode regular, the Techno titan Alan Fitzpatrick and Paul Woolford who released an incredible LP on XL Recordings late last year. Upstairs is Hotflush & Ultramajic affiliate Lando.
Superstition X Giegling. Vril, Kettenkarussell. Konstantin, DJ Dustin, SaPa at Village Underground
The first ever Giegling label night in London includes live sets from Vril and Kettenkarussell and DJ sets from some of the key contributors to their fantastic mix series. Expect it to get emotional.
RECORD OF THE WEEK: PLOY - Sala One Five [HESsle Audio]
Hessle Audio have been at the forefront of forward-thinking British dance music since HES001 in 2007, consistently releasing music that manages to push both sonic and compositional boundaries while still fitting perfectly into the label bosses’ dancefloor-focussed DJ sets. A new Hessle Audio release is thus always a cause for celebration, particularly as 2015 brought only Pearson Sound’s eponymous debut album, which was met with a surprisingly mixed reception. The head honchos (Ben UFO, Pearson Sound and Pangaea) put an end to our wait then with two new releases scheduled for the next two months. Just before the new Bruce record steals the limelight, the three Leeds-migos drop this killer debut from Ploy (who?) to start 2016. Indeed, the quality and variety of the three tracks presented here certainly won’t quell the rumours that this is the work of an established producer operating under a new alias.
‘Sala One Five’ is exactly the kind of tense techno you’re likely to hear Pangaea currently play out, with punishing subs and dense, anxious pads providing the foundation for a relentless forward momentum punctuated by sharp mechanical snares.
‘Move Yourself’ pairs loose, tribal percussion with a 4/4 kick, reflecting the trio’s gradual shift towards playing more house-oriented fare in their own sets. This groovy-as-hell rhythm is likely to be found in a wide range of DJ bags/USBs through the coming months.
Finally, ‘Helix’ finds Ploy confident enough to forgo the constraints of typical dancefloor drums altogether to construct a real psychedelic roller; the soothing “yeah” snippets equally suited to easing in the 10pm crew or taking the 10am crew further out. My favourite of a predictably high-class release - Hessle are back.
Words by Matt J
REVIEW: Saxxon & BCee feat Surplus — Blue Harbour EP [Soul Trader Records]
Bcee is an undisputed master, with two of his own labels under his belt - starting back in 2002 with Rubik Records - and more recently Spearhead Records, currently celebrating it’s 11th year at the forefront of the genre. He has gained notoriety and a celebrated status within the DnB community for his soulful, expressive production style, and vocally imaginative tracks.
Ever since the release of his first solo EP ‘New Adventures in Modern Jazz’ on V Recordings, Saxxon has been busy in the studio establishing his own individual sound. The smooth, liquid-infused rollers that characterised his first album have returned here, and ‘Blue Harbour EP’ is no different.
The A-side of the EP features two feel-good tracks, both with customary vocal competence, courtesy of Bcee. The first, ‘Only You’, is a summer track, featuring junglist drum beats and a funky melody to give it an air of elation. This one would fit well on ‘DumAndBassArena’ 2016 compilation album, so watch this space! This is followed up by the swashbuckling rhythm of ‘Understanding’, an unobtrusive but relatively firm roller to complete the A-side.
But its all about side B for me, with pride of place going to the title track ‘Blue Harbour’. A marriage of jazz elements with an unrelenting drum beat, the enticing contrast of the friendly piano riffs with the gruff bass notes creates a track that is just as melodic as it is powerful. As a track, it gives you the impression that it would be just as comfortable being played on a beach somewhere as it is being thumped out at 3am in late-night depths of the club. It is nicely complemented by ‘Tripped Up’, a collab with Soul Trader Records owner and talisman Surplus, which has an simple, almost childish melody over the top of relatively light drum sequences - and the balance between the two tracks means Side B has my vote.
4.2/5
Words by Tom
RECORD OF THE WEEK: SEB WILDBLOOD - SUBMARINE EP [Church]
Seb Wildblood was probably best known as the founder of the Camberwell based label, Church, until in 2015 when he released his delightful debut album, Foreign Parts on SW recordings. Since then I have been keeping a close eye on the man, and this is why…
Back with his second release on SW recordings, and its safe to say he is doing it right. Aquatic sound signals are being sent from a submarine deep bellow the ocean, wobbling around until they reach the surface. The dreamy, sleep like-character is consistent throughout the record,with steady percussion locking the listener in. Wildblood’s unique production style makes this EP easy listening if the volume is low, and one for the late hours when turned up high. To top it off Project Pablo has a remix on the flip..
4.5/5
Words by Ed R
Purchase: Vinyl
RECORD OF THE WEEK: DAN SHAKE - SHAKE EDITS #2 [SHAKE]
Mahogani Music man, Dan Shake, had one of the biggest years in dance music last year. It was incredible for me and fellow Y.O residents, Hoochy & Clive to support him and Shanti Celeste at Beaver Works in Leeds.
Here is back with another self-released double-sided record that once again revitalises the lesser known disco tracks. Shake seems to have a knack for editing disco tracks, most prominently, his rework of First Choice's 'Love Thang' that he retitled, 'To The Love.'
This time around it's the same story. The record comes out in a couple of days so make sure you pre-order it here.
3.8/5
Words by Matt B
RECORD OF THE WEEK: KHOTIN - BAIKAL ACID [1080P]
It was barely a month ago when Ed reviewed Project Pablo's 'I Want To Believe' EP on 1080p, a label from Vancouver who have worked tirelessly over 2015 to build their imprint up to be what it is now.
Last year they put out 29 releases over cassette, 12" and MP3 which shows not only the determination of label head Richard MacFarlane, but also the mass of talent coming from Vancouver and West Canada in general.
Khotin brought out his first full-length record back in 2014, in the second year of 1080p and now he's back with 'Baikal Acid', making brilliant use of 707 synths to create a dreamy sounding EP. Think Ruf Dug, Gnork and everything Blind Jack's journey.
The '5am Reflection' dub of 'Recycle, 'Human Voice', and the title track seem to be more aimed at the dancefloor whilst the A2 is a bit more restrained, offering a more ambient approach to its counterpart.
We can look forward to hearing a lot more from 1080p, Khotin and the artists that are shaping not only the Vancouver scene, but also the international scene this year.
4/5
Words by Matt B
Pre-Order digitally here.
RECORD OF THE WEEK: DELE SOSIMI AFROBEAT ORCHESTRA – TOO MUCH INFORMATION – REMIXES (INNERVISIONS 62)
Hearing this for first time at the Innervisions Lost In A Moment party back in September I knew it was special. The swelling momentum that followed reminded of Âme’s take on Sailor & I’s ‘Turn Around’ two summers ago. Now three months later with the official worldwide release on Christmas Day the hype is not faltering.
The theatrical nature and cinematic sweeping chorus that Innervisions is so renowned for shines in Lalou’s remix of this overwhelmingly happy sounding record from Dele Sosimi, I dare you not to smile when you first hear it. Dixon’s self proclaimed ‘favourite track of 2015’ bursts with nostalgic memories of summers past and the upcoming good times ahead.
4.4/5
Purchase: Vinyl /
Words by Ben S
Top 25 Tracks of 2015
Listen HERE
RECORD OF THE WEEK: FERNANDO - MID DECADE EP [FUTUREBOOGIE RECORDINGS]
This Argentine producer has a lot up his sleeve when it comes to his productions and his overall talent as a musician. He is certainly no novice to the game and has more than a few lines on his CV. This particular release on Bristol based label Futureboogie is no different. The headliner of this EP is the track 'Mid Decade' this analogue influenced track has a catchy back beat with disco vibes to keep it light hearted. Also featuring is 'Trespassing' with a strong chugging intro and then progressing into up beat synth cords and flanged percussion. The single 'Ride On' contains overdubbed electric guitar with vocal snippets all backed up by some synths for good measure. There is also an added bonus to the EP containing DJ Natures Remix of “Ride On” where he adds his own special touch making the track slightly more laid back but with a great talking intro which is always a personal favourite.
3.8/5
