RECORD OF THE WEEK: Feingold - Coast2 [L.P.C. Music]
L.P.C. returns almost two years after their first release with another double split EP, this time with tracks coming from Eric Fraser and Adam Feingold respectively. The Zurich based label again unearths yet more talent from Canada with two brilliant electro-tinged house cuts. The B side is a more euphoric and spacey affair, but the pick for me is the flip with a beautifully crafted, fast-paced number. Feingold, acting under his Ex-Terrestrial alias on 1080p, is already responsible for one of this year's best releases and is definitely one to keep an eye on in the future.
3.9/5
Listen to the full release
Buy: Vinyl
Words by Tom G
MY TIME @ Dalston Roof Park w/ Church
Amidst the tower blocks of concrete in Dalston lies a green oasis propped up for dancing, drinking and evenings of better times. High above the canopy of grey rock is a garden bouncing with energy and good vibrations. Being my first time to the venue I was taken aback by the views and well designed rooftop terrace; it was the perfect place to go and see Seb Wildblood and co. lay down some of their work. The contrasting sight of Canary Wharf to some lively jazz house sounds like a miss match but on the night it worked. The Madrid-like weather has to be mentioned as the heat really contributed to the memory of that evening. Without which the mood might not have been so laid back – it truly felt European.
As I arrived Apes was already up and easing the crowd into things. Though most of the people were on the bean bags around the edge as Moomin’s ‘Woman To Woman’ came on you could see people rising in order to get their groove on. Young and beautiful people were swaying their arms to the carefree sound that Church so brilliantly produce. Suzanne Kraft’s ‘Skype’ put me in an especially good place as the sun was beginning to disappear over the horizon. Regular trips to the bar were stress free. The staff were incredibly friendly and well organised leading to short queue times, yet another factor that made the event run so smoothly.
AS APES CAME TO A CLOSE IT WAS NOW UP TO ISHMAEL TO PERFORM HIS LIVE SET. WITH THE VOLUME NOTICEABLY GROWING THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT THIS WAS THE ACT THAT PEOPLE WERE MOST ENGAGED WITH. IT COMES TO NO SURPRISE AS ISHMAEL IS A BUNDLE OF TALENT. SIMULTANEOUSLY WORKING ALL OF HIS EQUIPMENT AND PLAYING THE SAX, HIS SET DEMANDED PEOPLE’S ATTENTION. AND THOUGH THE ATMOSPHERE HAD BECOME MORE CONCENTRATED, I ONLY FELT MORE JOY AS HIS EUPHORIC HARMONIES TOOK OVER.
HAVING REFUELLED AFTER EATING ONE OF THE VENUE’S DELICIOUS BURGERS WE SET BASE FRONT LEFT FOR THE REMAINING TWO HOURS. THE GAFFER WAS NOW UP AND IN FULL SWING PLAYING MUCH OF THE LABELS HOTTEST RELEASES FROM MALL GRAB, FYI CHRIS AND LAURENCE GUY. SEB ALSO WHACKED ON PROJECT PABLO’S ‘CLOSER’ WHICH GOT A LOT OF SMILES ALL AROUND. THE LAST HALF AN HOUR SAW APES JOIN HIM FOR A B2B THAT REALLY PUT THE TERRACE IN TOP GEAR. THERE WAS NEVER A QUESTION OVER THE LABEL’S QUALITY IN PRODUCTION, AND YET AGAIN THEY HAVE PROVED THAT THEY CAN THROW A PARTY TOO. THE ROOFPARK SERVED AS THE PERFECT VENUE FOR WHAT THEY WANTED TO DO. YOU PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS AND YOU’RE GOING TO BE SUCCESSFUL. THANK GOD IT DID NOT RAIN!
Words by Ben S
RECORD OF THE WEEK: Shahrokh Sound Of K. - Physiology (Musumeci & Olderic Special Edit) [Compost Records]
This track immediately caught my attention with it’s warm and groovy baseline that is almost verging on a slight hint of chug. With soft instrumental in the background and the tug and string slide of a base guitar the tracks grows and grows subtly with every beat. The keyboard over the top when stripped back could be apart of a movie soundtrack.
These two Italian DJ’s are both heavyweights on there but as a combo they are quite the partnership. This edit was made along with others all in aid of there black label compost mix, which is an exceptionally constructed mix with plenty more of there own edits thrown in there as well. You may not here this track pon da dancefloor all that much but will no doubt be appearing in many mixes throughout the year. Lets just hope these two stay in partnership and keep on pushing dance music forward in a mature and educated fashion.
4.2/5
Listen to the full release
Words by Barney
PREMIERE :: daWad & Mokic - Neu [Days Of Being Wild]
After his acclaimed debut on London based 'Days Of Being Wild' earlier this year, daWad returns with fellow Marseille based producer Mokic for the dark, elegant “Atlas” EP.
'Neu', 'Atlas' and 'Asphalte' are sweaty, raw cuts, all dressed up in freaky vocals and oblique melancholy. The kind of late night basement music you'd wish to hear more often, capturing the essence of Marseille's nightlife perfectly. In addition to these three gems, Sid Le Rock turns in a fast, mean reimagining of “Atlas”. Drenched in cosmic arpeggios and dense, frantic atmosphere, this one is guaranteed to shake dance floors all around the world this summer.
Listen to the full EP
MY TIME @ : NYC DOWNLOW [GLASTONBURY] W/ MIDLAND
He has spoken of attending the Downlow as “like coming home”.... READ MORE
RECORD OF THE WEEK: Acronym - Guadalquivir [Northern Electronics]
This week’s ROTW feature sees a turn to the darker, more experimental side of electronic music with weird, psychedelic techno from Stockholm’s Acronym.
Since 2014, Swedish label Northern Electronics has risen to prominence within underground techno scenes right across Europe and Russia; label figure Abdullah Rashim has even recently been booked to play in the US. Since in founding, the label has developed its own recognizable broody, atmospheric analogue sound which lies suited between dark hypnotic club settings and home listening. Think of sparse, wintery Scandinavian landscapes… now, have that picture converted into sound.
Acronym, like Rashim, remains another allusive Swedish producer creating shadowy drone techno within the isolated northern realms of Europe. Guadalquivir comes out as one of his weirdest, perhaps even more upbeat releases, and is focused more towards syncopated beats.
‘Purity’ is a twisted, high-energy track going full way with skipping rhythms: a whirl storm carrying any dancefloor into frenzied hypnosis. It’s branded with slippery sub-aquatic waves of reverbed synth cords. A subtly building high-octane drone attacks mid way through to add another entrancing layer, which takes the track to its peak. This is a track for trapping heads in the echo chamber. ‘Floating’ is another weirdo, mind twisting cut. This time layering broken up beats, over a crokey, fluctuating bassline. There’s not much progression, but it definitely stays as the most playful track on the EP. Play this out in the graveyard set to test how out-of-it your crowd is.
‘Constant Flow’ is the most dubbed out track. Again, more distorted acid squelches. With its rattling computed rhythms it recalls Acronym’s characteristic hypnotic style (like his ‘Red River Gum’ EP on NE). The EP finishes with ‘Cleansed in Fire’, an atmospheric ambient track to settle the mind from the disarray it’s so far led to… Light syncopated snares blended with emotional chords almost allow you to almost shed a tear, before it changes into a jittering rhythmic roller. Yet, in the cleansing fashion intended, time to breathe is given as the track closes.
3.8/5
Words by Fred
MIX OF THE MOMENT: Fluidnation - Oppo Chill Classics Pt. 2
Ben Mynott aka Fluidnation, or should I say the Fluidnation movement, is a key player in the down-tempo/chillout field. Previously he has had a number of award-winning albums, mostly under the pseudonym of Fragile State , a production duo that formed in 2002 and split two years later, but it's safe to say they made the most of those two years together having produced an array of gems, not to mention the chart damage caused. Having only recently stumbled across Fragile State I would recommend digging in, if you're into your down-tempo/chillout music and of course, haven't yet.
Ben has also made a name for himself as a DJ and radio presenter receiving acclaim for his works and it's his Fluidnation show on a fantastic radio station called, Chill (DAB) why he's featured as the MOTM this week. Since 2007 Ben has been bringing his Fluidnation sounds to Chill and his show is one of the most listened to every week and my personal favourite; lucky for us he has an hours slot every week day with an extended two hour slot on Friday night. Part 2 of the Oppo Chill Classics Mix features tracks from William Orbit, Ralph Myerz, Nightmares On Wax, Boards Of Canada, Stuph, Massive Attack, Groove Armada and ofcourse Fragile State, among others. Simply top selections from a top selector - enjoy!
Words by Ben C
RECORD OF THE WEEK: Andrés - Mighty Tribe [La Vida]
Three perfect house cuts from Andrés AKA, DJ Dez. The Detroit man's hip-hop background shines through in his fourth EP on La Vida, which focuses on sample-based music.
Andrés packs in some big basslines and dusty drums which, in this EP, transports you to downtown somewhere.
The title track couldn't be more on the money, a rising and falling piano makes the bones of the melody with vocal stabs spotted around the track too.
'Chevy Status' does exactly what it says on the tin - more mid-tempo than the other tracks but just as funked up.
The B2, 'Plucked Up' will surely be one of those early-evening weapons that brings the dancers around. Andrés again shows his aptitude for arrangement and again, elements of his hip-hop roots emerge throughout this song.
This is a great addition to La Vida's catalogue - timeless and sophisticated dance music done by a true legend.
3.9/5
Buy: Vinyl
Words Matt B
WHAT'S ON | JULY
RECORD OF THE WEEK: Clavis - Cydalise [Freerange Records]
June 2016 marks the 20th Anniversary for Freerange Records. Run by Jamie Odell (Jimpster) and Tom Roberts, Freerange has seen the likes of House music titans Detroit Swindle, Manuel Tur, Shur-I-Khan, Stimming and of course, Jimpster, pass through its doors. To celebrate the occasion, they’ve put together a 20 track box set showcasing exclusive new music from Freerange rookies and veterans.
Enter Clavis – the collaboration between German producers Manuel Tur and Adrian Hoffman who are fresh off the back of a recent EP. Called “Alcine”, it’s a testament to their distinctly different, yet superbly complementary styles of production. The EP’s signature track, “Alcine”, is a combination of Hoffman’s chugging German techno and a rolling, multi-chord melody that is signature Tur. With productions like this, it’s no surprise Freerange chose their new track “Cydalise” to feature in their anniversary segment.
Showcasing the quality of sound that Freerange has become synonymous with, “Cydalise” begins with a beautiful, groovy xylophone melody that floats over a classic deep house rhythm and an almost “rain-stick-esque” kick. With the layering and production depth that epitomises Manuel Tur’s signature deep house and the wider quality of Freerange’s music as a whole, the song develops a warm, steady house synth that is glued together by a simple bassline that allows the other components of the song to flourish.
The song peaks in the build up to the 2nd breakdown, where the bass is removed and replaced by an almost Robert-Delong-esque manipulation of melody, and the maintenance of atmospheric background layers that would make Sigur Ros proud. The result is a busy, beautiful and swirling cacophony of sounds that produce an ethereal atmosphere. The 2nd breakdown arrives triumphantly as the layers all piece back together, resulting in a powerful 3am track designed to take the crowd to its apogee and carry them home until sunrise. Happy 20th Anniversary Freerange Records! Keep ‘em coming.
3.7/5
Listen to the full '20 Years of Freerange' LP below
Words by Nick D
RECORD OF THE WEEK: Midland - Final Credits EP [ReGraded]
‘Final Credits’ is the third EP to be delivered out of Midland’s disco oriented sub-label ReGraded and comes from the main man himself. On the A-side, ‘Final Credits’ is a song so damn sexy it may already lay claim to the title ‘track of the summer.’ Over the top of a relatively straightforward drumbeat, the song progresses with a distinctively high-pitched trumpet-like sound that I’m not really able to describe (listen and you’ll understand). Nonetheless, eventually it develops into a catchy melody that would have been enough for any decent record. However, being the brilliant producer that he is, Midland takes it to a new level with the irresistible vocals he introduces at the halfway point. Not only do they complement the other sounds perfectly, but listen carefully enough and you’ll hear they also reveal the song’s purpose: that of being the night’s final track, hence the name ‘Final Credits’. There aren’t many songs like it, which is probably why I’ve had it on repeat for the last few weeks. Be sure to give it a proper listen.
The B-side’s not bad either. ‘Vigilante’ is a more atmospheric track but equally as impressive in its own right. Along with some authentic sounding percussion, the song winds up and down with a few long, rolling chords, giving it a slightly mysterious tone. In many respects, it’s the perfect way to complement such a killer A-side. All in all, Midland has delivered the goods once again.
4.5/5
Words by Hugo
RECORD OF THE WEEK: Project Pablo - Beaubien Dream EP [SOBO]
I have picked him before and no doubt I will pick him again. After strong releases on 1080p and Church, Project Pablo aka (Patrick Holland) is back with Beaunien Dream. The title of the EP refers to Montreal's Beaubien Ouest neighborhood, where Patrick Holland lives.
Released on the 3rd of June and sold out later that afternoon, this is an EP that you will not be able to escape this summer. With sun-soaked, dreamy afternoons in mind, Project Pablo lays down some of his distinctive synth tones and signature drum patterns, led on this one predominantly by some very catchy cowbells.
Closer fills, Side-A in full, and is like taking a journey down a lazy river, which you wish, will never come to an end. The B- side slows things down to an early evening sway without changing the atmosphere.
This EP is like a ball of happiness... buy it!
Coming to a rooftop near you…
4.7/5
Words by Ed R
MIX OF THE MOMENT: Beats In Space #829 with Mano Le Tough
Beats In Space has always been known to throw down some beautiful mixes. Tim Sweeney has now had his show running for a staggering fifteen years, yet the quality always remains – the sole reason for its longevity. This mix in particular though has struck a chord with us, and it is Irishman, Mano Le Tough who is responsible. Lawrence, Suzanne Kraft and Phil Kieran star in the phenomenal track list. His selections are perfectly built around one idea that is constant throughout the mix. Profound, yet light, energetic and relaxed all at the same time, it is a master set for the radio. He weaves in and out of these feelings with tracks that are so interesting and engaging you yearn for it to be longer.
As expected, his mixing is flawless, however here he takes it to another level with some of the transitions being 2 to 3 minutes long, with some pretty complex instrumentals to think about. Check out the break between Kraft’s ‘DJ Safety Track’ and Soul Capsule at 43 minutes. On top of it being a characteristically lengthy changeover, the introduction of the swoony, dreamlike ‘Lady Science (NYC Sunrise)’ is just a delight. Mano Le Tough has showed us a slightly more mature side of his taste with this mix and though it is a surprise, it is a very, very good one. To have the element of surprise and pull it off is something only the very best can do!
Mano Le Tough:
SoundCloud | RA | Facebook
Words by Ben S
RECORD OF THE WEEK: DJ Sotofett & SVN - Current 82 / Dark Plan 5 [Keys Of Life]
It's been 5 years since Keys of Life's last 12" proper, but boy is this new one worth the wait. The legendary DJ Sotofett, of Sex Tags fame, and SVN, a core member of the exciting SUED crew, each contribute an extended dancefloor epic to what is quickly becoming one of my favourite records of the year so far.
Sotofett takes the A side and provides the undoubted highlight of the two. He chops up an almost dainty break on top of a slow 4/4 kick whilst a simple 3-note bassline provides the groove. The real showstopper is the soaring pads which hit that beautiful grey area between bliss and melancholia, and are guaranteed to soundtrack many an ECHITA (eyes-closed-hands-in-the-air) moment this summer.
The B side finds SVN on a more meditative tip, albeit at a higher tempo than Sotofett. Moody pads and sparse percussion are the order of the day, with very little high end frequency presence at all. This one's for the dark, heads-down clubs.
4.6/5
Words by Matt J
WHAT'S ON | JUNE
RECORD OF THE WEEK: RECLOOSE - ON & ON [AUS MUSIC]
Recloose pulls it out the bag with his new EP ‘Honey Rocks’ on Will Saul’s front running label Aus Music. ‘On & On’ is the B side to this incredible release, I could have done the piece on Honey Rocks itself as its tremendous but I think On & On should get a bit of air time as its got a lot going on from the off. It starts off slow and repetitive with a dreamy laid back vibe to it, the vocal sample touching the surface every now and again. The breakdown changes everything with added vocals turning the direction of the track completely into a fun upbeat summer stonker, but out of no where you’re attacked with this bouncy baseline which even on my Rokits is doing the song a lot of justice, but imagine it on a huge system! I hope you guys enjoy this one as much as I have and definitely check out the other tracks on the EP its out on the 30th May.
3.8/5
Words by Henry
MIX OF THE MOMENT: PLO Man on Berlin Community Radio
After a string of beautifully crafted EPs, Acting Press have seen themselves rise to the very forefront of the electronic music scene. Showcasing their sound is the label's affiliate PLO Man on Berlin Community Radio and as expected the show delivers beautiful hypnotic breaks and ambient trips that are reminiscent of the label's releases. The mix features music from the likes of KMFH (Kyle Hall), Das Ding and KWC 92 as well as a host of unknown tracks that may or may not see the light of day. The energy is built up perfectly and it's definitely worth easing yourself through the spacey and comparatively downtempo first half hour before the remainder is unleashed on you.
PLO Man:
SoundCloud | RA | Facebook
Words by Tom G