RECORD OF THE WEEK: MR. BC - PROTAGONIST EP [LOGICAL RECORDS]

My pick this week comes from Mr BC on the Madrid based Logical Records label. Logical have only recently burst onto the scene and Mr BC’s record and remixes this week encapsulate a real range acid and cosmic influences.

Mr BC, who harks from Leeds, is just breaking onto the scene like many of his ‘Chugging’ compatriots, and delivers a stormer in the form of the ‘Protagonist’ and its remixes this week.

Mr BC’s original is a real builder It’s a subtle chugging sound synthesised with hints of cosmic influences. The song starts off like a murmur you heard in the next-door room that slowly increases over the course of 6 minutes crescendo-ing in the middle in a storm of guitar and percussion, then returning to its original murmur.

Logical Records boss Ivan de La Rouch provides the first remix which has a heavy acid influence at a slower pace. This corresponds with the energizing touch of the percussion and guitar. 

The second remix of the record is done by Duncan Gray, the King of Tici Taci records, who remixes ‘Protagonist’ with a heavier base line and a much slower chugging sound. One thing to take from Duncan Gray’s remix is the variety of instruments and sounds used in the production. These days it is quite refreshing seeing electronic records produced that use instruments outside of the Logic Pro application.

Finally Damon Jee’s remix provides more consistency, without breaks and its acid and cosmic influences are subtler. The track is a lot smoother compared to others on the record. Sliding along at 110 bpm it is complemented with a real mouthful of bass and weighty synthesisers.

I highly recommend nabbing this lean mean chugging machine when you get a second, well worth the price.

3.5/5

Buy: Digital

Words by Jack

PREMIERE: Geddes - FingersAndHands [20/20 Editions]

For the fourth instalment of Ralph Lawson's brand new Editions sub-label to his renowned 20/20 Vision Recordings theywelcome London stalwart Geddes with his Understand EP, which comes complete with a remix from Huxley.

Among those ahead of the game when it came to the decline of the super club and the dawn of a new era of raves in warehouses, Geddes became an integral cog in the evolution of a thriving underground with his now legendary party Mulletover. The last 10 years have seen him play in almost every notable club across the world and release on some of the biggest labels in the game.

Understand EP is filled with the trademark grooves, and subtle yet devastatingly effective melodies, that Geddes has become renowned for over the course of his career. Driving drums, deep basslines and solid grooves characterise a release which is sure to set some main rooms on fire in the coming months. 

The EP is rounded off with a mega remix from 20/20 favourite Huxley, who channels the spirit of deep house greats such as Mood II Swing for his reinterpretation of Understand. One word, bassline. 


WE ASKED GEDDES SOME QUESTIONS RELATING TO PRODUCTION AHEAD OF HIS THIRD RELEASE OF THE YEAR:
 

Can you talk us through how you go about making your music - what is the creative process and what hardware/software do you use to make it on?

I always start by making a groove in Native Instruments Maschine, for me its hands down the best thing for making drums and ideas. I'll then move on to a bass sound and work with the drums and bass until I'm happy with the groove, it's worth spending the time on getting it right. From there I leave I'll play around on some of my synths, record some sounds and takes of me messing around, same goes with soft synths too I record everything even midi then go back through and see what works. That's the beauty of Ableton its so free and enables you to get a good work flow. Out board stuff I have Juno 106, Korg Monopoly, Nord Lead and (on loan) Jupiter 8.
 

This year being your tenth year as a producer; what notable differences are there to your approach in the studio since?

Having the confidence in my own abilities as a producer, it doesn't come easy I come from a DJ background it's taken me a long time to get to where I am.
 

How long did it take you to make this EP?

A couple of months I reckon? I'm continually going back to tracks to make them better. I find working in the studio for hours on end listening to the same loop leaves you a little disjointed after a while and unable to give accurate judgments on your work. Leaving it and coming back helps me a lot to get my tracks to where they need to be. 
 

Do you have a particular piece of kit in the studio you couldn't do without?

Would be Maschine
 

Geddes' Understand EP is out 23rd May.

1. Understand feat. Normski
2. Understand (Huxley Understands Deep Remix) 
3. FingersAndHands
4. Sapiens
5. Understand (Huxley Understand Jack Drum Tool) 

 

Words by Ben C

RECORD OF THE WEEK: TVA & Le Visionnaire - Forty Seven [Soulfooled]

This weeks record was produced by TVA, another emerging Techno duo from Italy worth keeping a close eye on. All of their music creates a real synthesis between the more industrial and ethereal aspects of the genre which is what makes them so interesting. ‘Forty Seven’ does this particularly effectively. The evocative concoction of spaced out synth lines and jarring Techno samples work very nicely. In turn they cross-pollinate to create a dreamy and harrowing soundscape that could be experienced in multiple scenarios. At 5:30 PM in a relaxed beachfront bar, or at 4 AM, driving the dance floor in a trance to the early hours of the next morning. This kind of diversity is a hard trick to pull off.

‘Forty Seven’ was released on Soulfooled, one of Alex Niggemanns flags-ship labels. They’re being noticed, for good reason, by the right people.

3.8 / 5

Buy: Digital
 

Words by Chris

RECORD OF THE WEEK: LASZLO DANCEHALL - TIDE OUT EP [WOLF MUSIC]

Wolf Music has been one of YoungOnes favourite labels from the beginning. Consistently putting out alluring melodic house and sensual disco. This week sees the premier of Leon Vynehall and A1 Bassline/Christian Piers’ Tide Out EP on Stamp the Wax. The first release the two have put out under their Laszlo Dancehall alias in two years, it echoes the sounds of their previous crisp energetic melodies, and fits perfectly into what the label’s about. The title track is the danceiest track, with a charming use of a cowbell sample over bouncy basslines and the echo of a distorted vocal. Channel is more melodic, a chilled number prepping us for sunshine-drenched garden parties. Pelagos, (our pick of the EP) is real Wolf-esque: beautiful piano riffs, with a sublime build up releasing into a euphoric rolling beat. This is the festival groover for when the sun’s at its peak. Expect to hear this out this summer; fingers crossed for that allusive sunshine!

Listen to the full EP here

3.5 / 5

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

 

Words by Fred

What's On | May

MIX OF THE MOMENT: RON BASEJAM

My pick this month, comes from Ron Basejam the anagrammed alter-ego of Crazy P co-founder, James Baron; knowing that, need I say more!!

Starting out steady with a subtle first fifty minutes, which grows on you until you have it on repeat, this is a beauty of a builder. Ron drops tunes from the likes of Mr Fries, LK, Sven Weisemann, MMT and Red Rack’em to name just a few.

Stick on your cans and lock in…

Check out Ron's recently released funky house EP on Futureboogie with Neil Diablo here

 

 

Ron Basejam:
SoundCloud | Facebook | Discogs
 

Words by Ed R

RECORD OF THE WEEK: RAMPA - TRUST EP [KEINEMUSIK]

One of my favourite labels of the moment Keinemusik churn out yet another success, this time from their own Rampa. Based in Berlin the collection of &ME, Adam Port, David Mayer, Reznik and Rampa have been taking over dance floors all around the world with their unique African Berlin, jazzy house sound. Check out their back catalogue to understand what I mean by ‘African Berlin’. It has elements from both utilising the individuality of their own artistic brand taking what’s popular at the moment but making it theirs, and killing it.

Structured in a very classical way ‘Trust’ is one of those chugging house tunes  that drops in spectacular fashion that mixed well can be one of those peak time hits that get the crowd gasping. You know the one I’m talking about, one of those moments when the DJ excels your expectation and you declare it ‘one of the best nights you’ve ever been to’. Reminiscent of &ME’s ‘Trilogy’ EP and with a similar aesthetic, ‘Trust’ is groovy dance music with intelligent soundscapes perfect for that cinematic experience. Check out the moody percussion set in ‘Defiled’. I highly recommend Keinemusik’s party at Funkhaus next week, which is sure to be more than just your average clubbing experience.

3.4/5

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

Words by Ben S

RECORD OF THE WEEK: DEREK CARR - DANCEFLOOR [For Those That Knoe]

For Those That Knoe, an offshoot of the great Boe Recordings, have been turning heads for a while now after a string of reissues from the likes of Casey Tucker and LHAS to name but a few. The label, in their very own words, focuses on unearthing ‘under the radar tracks recorded by unsung heroes’ and have subsequently earned themselves a sterling reputation amongst record collectors.

Their latest effort certainly doesn’t disappoint and comes from Derek Carr, a relatively unknown producer from Ireland. With just a handful of releases to his name, of which were only pressed in small numbers, he has become a cult figure in the world of deep techno. The record features four fairly diverse tracks and my pick of the bunch is the classic ‘Dancefloor’. Originally released on Geek Records, the track is a clean sounding, spacey groover that perfectly highlights his production skill. The various melodic tones are cleverly interweaved with the hi-hats and this creates an ethereal atmosphere, making for an emotional journey.

4.1/5

Buy: Vinyl

Words by Tom G

MIX OF THE MOMENT: KRYWALD & FARRER

Percolate residents Krywald & Farrer are kicking off the spring season with a luscious fifty four minutes of selecting for Clash Magazine, featuring tracks from the likes of Urulu, Gene Farris, Philip Louzolo and themselves among others.

The duo are becoming known for their crossed genre approach to their sets and productions.  recently they released 'Innacamo,' an 'African-inspired' dance floor shaker, on the third Gottwax installment and had a groovE VARNISHED HOUSE EP entitled, 'top pocket persies' drop on rob da bank's imprint, Silver Bear recordings. Further to that last week k&F announced the launch of a series of hip hop based releases, all of which will be available for a free download. Check out the first from the series and many other goodies on their soundcloud below.

 

 

Krywald & Farrer:
SoundCloud | RA | Facebook | Twitter 
 

Words by Ben C

 

 

RECORD OF THE WEEK: ROMAN FLÜGEL - 9 YEARS (DJ KOZE REMIX) [PAMPA]

Featuring in the first compilation album to be released on Marcus Fink and DJ Koze’s Pampa Records, Koze makes his mark with a stunning contribution, a remix of Roman Flugel’s 9 Years which also features on the compilation. The remix is a mesmerising ten minute sonic journey; this is what Koze had to say about his remix, “As I listened to this beauty I felt a deep wish to make a version for the club in a decent and humble way. Just adding a beat and stretching the arrangement to 10 minutes. Only god knows how the significant snaerdrum of my favorite Mood 2 Swing Classics made it into my version. We asked these old heroes for permission and a new child was born.”

‘Pampa Compilation Vol.1’ features a collaboration with Jamie XX, a remix by Matthew Herbert and originals from Axel Boman, Mount Kimbie, Stimming, and Isolee among others. Vol.1 will be available from April 29th.

4.1/5

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

Words by Ben C

REVIEW: GLOBEX - INVERSIA [ACTING PRESS]

So far this April, one record seems to have taken the limelight within the techno/house category, selling out within a couple days and with Discogs sellers going crazy putting it at 29 pounds in the same week! One of 2015’s most popular new labels, Berlin-based Acting Press hits the mark once again with an absolute stellar release from another of the label’s groups, Globex. This moniker is made up of Vancouver’s finest, Hashman DeeJay, along with BCR’s resident, PLO Man and C3dee, who have both previously released under the label’s additional groups. 

PLO Man and Hashman go in on the A side with a pulsing ambient house number. Opening up with dreamy synth lines, the track’s set to entice from the start. Detroit-esque keys run throughout. Soft pads compliment the melodic atmosphere, whilst a slack kick drum retains the dancefloor functionality. Layering of scratchy high hats, gentile percussion and distressed vocals keeps the track raw amidst the ethereal aesthetic. The trip is drawn out with distortion under the sounds of melodic synths. In all, distinctive ambient lulls complemented with mid-tempo groove will no doubt make this perfect summer garden party opener.

On the flip, PLO Man and C3dee take things up a notch with a higher tempo, clubby venture. Jacking kick drums have you moving from the start. An audacious, bouncy bass line affirms the track’s initial direction, whilst intriguing hypnotic lulls set the track’s trippy aesthetic. Claps round off the tracks build up. The entrance of bubbley cosmic synths twist over the driving rhythm, picked up by sizzling high hats. The 3:10 marks a reset with a hyper cosmic breakdown, where cordial bass gives way to the mesmerizing synths. Heads are sure to be set nodding when the rhythm’s taken up again with a timely entrance of the kickdrum that sends the track into its conclusion. Tailing off with more celestial melody, trippy sounds and echoey vocals, this track complements the enigmatic sounds of the A side.

4.0/5

Buy: Vinyl

 

Words by Fred

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Dean Blunt - Deep feat. arca [Hyperdub]

The ever enigmatic Dean Blunt partners up with Arca once again to brings us ‘Deep’, a cut off ‘BBF’, under the allies Baby Father released on Hyperdub. Unlike Dean Blunts slightly more guitar driven EP ‘Black Metal’, BBF host a darker more dystopian collection of sounds. BBF continues that theme with ‘Deep’, the track moves with a trip hop beat swerving and swaying over Arca’s signature eerie synths. Half way through Dean spits some bars with the pitch up. The rest of ‘BBF’ has other gems such as Juice and Meditation, though you can perhaps give some of the white noise tracks (i.e Flames and Prolific Deamons) a miss.

4.5/5

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

                                                                   Words by Tobias

REVIEW: MIDLAND - BLUSH EP [GRADED]

Not often does a DJ get enough demand from a track in his set to then release the record. This has happened twice now in quick succession for Harry Agius AKA Midland, first with Hubie Davison’s ‘Sanctified’, which he played at Dekmantel, and now with his own, equally groovy, house hit ‘Blush’. Garnering momentum since first being unleashed at Boiler Room Milan last summer this A-Side is finally becoming available to the public at the end of the month. The track has all the usual tricks you would expect from a Midland production; swoon like synths, plenty of drums but all importantly it’s that chorus line… That chorus line! Simple melody, superb sound and a catchy beat that will send the dance floor into ‘smiler’ mode. The people have spoken and have raised a voice loud enough to be heard and quite rightly so, this track is fire.

 

On the flip side ‘Outpost’ and ‘Hold Up’ earn their place in the EP but just don’t quite compare, however useful tracks to have in the bag. ‘Outpost’ gains gradual momentum, slowly rolling along before taking a turn into slightly obscurer territory whilst ‘Hold Up’, though it retains merit for its complex and well coordinated percussions, is some way off being totally convincing. That said the production on all three tracks is constant; Midland has directed his sound further leftfield which will attract a new dynamic. Slightly moodier, slightly weirder, it reminds me of what Mosca has done recently with his productions; taken his garage roots and modernised it into his own dark and morose sound. Only here, Midland’s drum and bass foundations shine through. The power to be able to create something catchy is still worth its weight in gold and it is something Midland has utilised superbly on this EP like he did with ‘Trace’ back in 2013. The only difference being that the high level of production we’re so used to has extended even more with increased subtlety and hence, more intrigue.

3.9/5

 


Available 29th April
Pre-Order

Words by Ben S

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Call Super - Nervous Sex Traffic [Dekmantel]

J.R. Seaton debuts on Dekmantel’s eponymous record label and continues his superb run of form with two sprawling sonic journeys. While his recent release for The Trilogy Tapes (as Ondo Fudd) featured beatless, clarinet-driven hazes and Crash Bandicoot-esque riddims, this 12” finds him focusing on using his trademark dense, melody-driven soundscapes to get them dancefloors moving.

As Call Super, he builds and maintains an exquisite groove throughout the 9 minutes of Nervous Sex Traffic, deploying what must certainly be the most gorgeous bleeps of the year over of one of his classiest house structures.

Mount Grace then cuts loose with the percussion, programming weighty kicks with those classic Call Super snares into an electro-influenced pattern, whilst warm strings submerge half-melodies that leave you craving for more.

4.0 / 5

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

Words by Matt J

 

 

RECORD OF THE WEEK: O'FLYNN - OBERYN/SPYGLASS [BLIP DISCS]

Blip Discs only has two prior releases to date, the first was from O’Flynn who cut the grooves for this release, the second was by label owner, Tom Blip. Small but so far mighty, Blip Discs incorporates different sounds, textures, genres, feelings into its releases. The tracks can start with obscure drum beats or samples and end up developing into a peak time dancefloor screamer. It’s a label for proper heads, the music constantly challenges the listener; if deployed at the right time in the right hands, Blip Discs’ discography can make a night. It’s no wonder that the label chose to cut another one from O’Flynn therefore.

The A-side, ‘Oberyn’ takes on similar sounds to that of Blip Discs’ second release. The crunching bassline lays the foundation underneath  a seemingly never ending conga workout. All sorts of other jungle sounds play huge part in the piece too. The layers of the track build and build until, in the last minute of the track, all elements of the track are deployed in full effect. 

 

On the flip, O’Flynn explores a completely different sound altogether. Low-slung, jazz-influenced tones ricochet off and around the 4/4 beat. Vocal samples play a part, and again those jungle sounds sneak their way in amongst everything else. A saxophone warms itself against the drone towards the end. This track oozes class, sophistication, and originality. 

4.0/5

Words by Matthew Barnett

Buy: Vinyl

RECORD OF THE WEEK: The Organ Grinder - Physicality [Graft]

Fresh out of Cardiff comes a banger from none other than The Organ Grinder whose released on labels such as Local Talk, Ten Thousand Yen and Heist Recordings to name a few. His first solo release got him backings from top dogs such as Jackmaster, Move D and Steffi automatically making his sound international and putting him on the house map. His new track Physicality has everything I like to see in a house track, soulful vocals giving it that positive vibe, a warm buzzy bassline great for grooving to and last but not least the keys and chords riding over the top of the lot meshing everything together so harmoniously. This one is out on his recently re-branded label now called Graft.

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

 

Words by Henry