WHERE TO GO: Raving Iran at Village Underground

We in the West, take our access to quality electronic music for granted.  For those in Tehran, Iran, the reality is a little different.

In Iran, electronic music is ‘generally forbidden’, and has no choice but to be ‘underground’.  As a producer or DJ of these sounds, following your passion and approaching it in the ‘the wrong way’ comes at price.  If caught, to be beaten, imprisoned, or even killed comes as no surprise. 

Raving Iran follows the life and journey of two Iranian Techno DJ’s, Anoosh and Arash aka Blade & Beard, and their frustration with the oppression of their home country’s attitude to the liberal arts, which ultimately lands them in serious danger.

Sick of hiding from the police and the stagnation of their career, they organise one last manic techno rave under incredibly dangerous circumstances in the desert.  “Back in Tehran they try their luck in selling their illegally printed album, without permission.”  All hope is lost when Anoosh is arrested.  By chance they receive a call from one of the worlds biggest techno festivals.  Once landed in Switzerland, the feeling of euphoria fades rapidly as the seriousness of the situation dawns on them.

Due to the strict laws in Iran they have to work out alternative techniques to document this tale.  One of them is to cut a small hole in Arash’s shirt so that his iPhone can shoot from inside.  The film has won numerous awards, and it’s showing, followed by a Q&A session from Anoosh and Arash themselves in Village Underground, is highly anticipated.  If you’re at a loose end, why not pay the two of them a visit and hear their incredible story. 

Trailer | Tickets

Words by Alex M

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Cuthead - Potato Express [Local Talk]

Hailing from Germany, Karvan de Robartosz aka Cuthead pulls it out the bag for his debut release on Local Talk. The four-track EP entitled 'Fuck That Shit' is packed full of funky house flavours. 'Potato Express' is the pick of the bunch with its sluggish trumpet filtering in and out, complimented beautifully with some angelic vocals lightly scratching the surface. The drums are fresh and who doesn’t love that open hi-hat pounding through on the second drop. The contrast of the synth over the top of all these classic instrumental sounds, for me, puts the icing on the cake. Expect to hear this one getting rinsed at your favourite summer day party!

3.9/5

Listen to the EP in full.

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

Words by Henry M

MIX OF THE MOMENT: Ben Sims presents The Essex Rascals Special on NTS

Essex Rascals is a UK DJ collective made up of members Tony Anderson, Paul Mac, Mark Broom and Ben Sims, all affiliated with the label Way Back Wednesday. Despite being recognized on the international music scene for their UK techno legacies, over the past decade they’ve been delivering their wonderfully eclectic Way Back Wednesday radio show on several stations including London’s Centre Force and Deepfrequency.com. The crew explore an incredible depth of old school music whilst also featuring their own edits and remixes; they delve deep into 80’s Soul, Disco, Boogie, Funk and continual switch the focus between shows to explore the forgotten classics in a wide variety of genres from Rave, Acid House, Hip Hop, Rap and Reggae. Start tuning into the Essex Rascals Podjam mix series via their website and explore their endless archive on SoundCloud.

Back in February we actually caught up with Ben Sims to discuss his music making under his ‘Ron Bacardi’ disco-edits project and got him to talk about the diversity of his music passion beyond the world of techno he’s become famous for. You can read the interview here. 

At end of last year, Ben Sims got to deliver a special one-off Essex Rascals show on NTS and at 3 hours long, it’s a sublime showcase of what the show/collective stands for: fun, loose-haired party music. This is feel good music through and through. It’s got a pure hedonistic feel that’s undeniably sexual, groovy and carefree cheesy. Exploring all the emotions felt on the dance floor from moments of catching your breath to tense sexuality, emotive sensitivity to high-energy body-shifters, in the right context the mix offers a way to actual escapism – a demonised term that’s plagued with irony in its misuse – but the mix’s light-heartedness, sensuality and positivity is able to remind us to kick back from time to time and switch off from the world and enjoy the things we’re fortunate for. As an effective, well-needed escape from the absurdity of these times subsumed under a collectively grim outlook for world politics, etc., I ended up replaying the mix straight away to remain in a bubble I had found myself in with my companion listener. 

Make this background music for a day/night indoors with cheerful company and engage yourselves in a variety of silly activities. There’s acidy disco, jittery boogie, tantalising drums, silly strings and cheeky bass guitars, all crafted together with brilliant use of effects. Highlight tracks include, Mighty 7 - Call Me, Jeanette - You Turn Me On, Curtis Hairston - I Want Your Lovin’ (Just A Little Bit), L.A.X. - All My Love, Innerlife - Your Love, and Alfie Silas’ classic - Put The Freeze On.

Words by Fred D 

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Soul Reductions - Got 2 Be Loved [Take Away Records]

The third release from new Californian imprint on the scene, Take Away Records. Following two tasteful Disco EPs, Take Away have recruited little known North Londoner Soul Reductions for their best release yet. The two track EP entitled ‘Got 2 Be Loved’, opens up with the title track - a sizzling Disco number with a playful baseline and catchy, sugar coated vocals. Track two, ‘A Rose Is A Rose’, is also a prime cut, though a more low key affair, still oozing with summer soaked, feel good vibes. 

4.1/5

Buy: Vinyl

Words by Ben C

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Sacamono - If You Wanted Me

Baltra and DJ Seinfeld link up as 'Sacamano’ (another Seinfeld reference) to release the super nice, ‘If You Wanted Me’.

In keeping with both artists’ sound, this record is covered in dust, the drums are riddled with saturation and phase and the prevailing element is the ultra melodic sample.

Sounding like some mid 90’s R&B, the sample is without a doubt what makes this track along with the piano chord synonymous with DJ Seinfeld’s releases. All of these elements make for a real sunny listen and with summer fast approaching this seems totally appropriate.

Hopefully this collaboration is the first release of many, so far this just seems to be available on SoundCloud.

3.7/5

Words by Tobias Y

Old 'n' Gold: The Ahmad Jamal Trio - The Awakening [Impulse! Records]

Ahmad Jamal, The Awakening…  where do I even begin to comment on this highly complex and influential masterpiece?

It was originally recorded at Plaza Sound Studios in New York in 1970, was repressed via Be With Records in March.  The news all jazz fanatics have been waiting to hear!

The Pittsburg born and bred musician is without a shadow of a doubt one of the most revered jazz musicians the world has ever seen.  Having released around 20 albums via Chess Records, Jamal then started on his album, The Awakening, over the course of two days for Impulse! Records (Creed Taylor’s first label).  At the same time Impulse! was working with the likes of John Coltrane and Charles Mingus - this alone shows us the immense calibre needed to work with this prestigious label. 

Ahmad Jamal plays the piano with a style that cannot be replicated.  He was able to truly understand the instrument and make it his own.  Jamal is best known for his sparseness and his ability to be in possession of one sound, but being able to incorporate beautiful variety in his style of playing.  Even though Jamal is the foundation stone of this LP, he wouldn’t of been able to accomplish the rich sound without the meticulous timing of Jamil Nasser on the bass and the scrupulous precision of Frank Grant on the drums.  Not many musicians could keep up with Jamal’s unpredictability on the piano with such ease.  The trio were able to utilize many different grooves on this LP, such as swing and elements of funk.  However, the real genius is how they blended the grooves with modern harmonies to create a timeless sound.  The star of The Awakening is 'I Love Music'.  Not to take anything away from Nasser and Grant, but Jamal took centre stage and dominated it expertly with harmonic intricacy.  At the same time he allowed room for the rhythm section to sink their teeth in to create the finesse.  The composition itself is undeniably beautiful.  The consistent change in rhythmic speed and the erratic nature of its excitable chords is what really increases the heart rate.  However, in all its complexity Jamal is still able to craft memorable motifs and powerful harmonies.  

Even though this is album is a jazz triumph, the record intrigued some of the most revered hip-hop artists during the 90’s.  DJ Premier (half of Gang Starr) was the first to uncover the albums sampling opportunity.  He looped the opening bar of the album’s first composition and exploited it halfway through Gang Starr’s first album, No More Mr. Nice Guy.  Soon after, numerous other artists in the hip-hop world started sampling Jamal’s work; Shadez Of Brooklyn, Nas and Common have all chopped and sampled The Awakening.  Jamal’s talent was so organic, so innovative, that it even struck a powerful chord with one of the titans of jazz, Miles Davis.  His work and his style of production were inspired by Jamal.  Davis in his 1989 autobiography gave tribute to him stating that he was electrified by his “concept of space, his lightness of touch and his understatement”. 

This album is a must have so make sure to grab yourself a copy of this limited repress!

Listen to the full album

Buy: Vinyl

Words by Max J

WHERE TO GO: Tief x Thunder with Beautiful Swimmers & Red Rack'em

The promoters have peppered my calendar with some really big names heading to the big smoke this month. Being so spoilt for choice I will be ordering up the Beautiful Swimmers/Red Rack’em sandwich!

Beautiful Swimmers are a name you don’t really hear playing that often, based in the U.S. I get snippets of their magic through various mixes online. A great duo to watch, especially taking the reins in Corsica’s room 1. Alongside captain of Futureboogie Dave Harvey and Tief’s Hesseltime to back them up. 

After Tief comes Thunder. Headed up by Red Rack’em, the man behind the biggest record of last year, ‘Wonky Bassline Disco Banger’ woop woop! Will be a good one, a really good producer and with Kink’s remix, he is a hot act at the moment, definitely one to see. Backing Red Rack’em we have the likes of Miles Simpson, Joseph Apted and Rick Hopkins. “Expect Plastikman mashed into disco into synth pop and lots more fun stuff too” - ooo yeah! With the beats going on till 7am it will make you feel young again!

Tickets

Words Jack A

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Mall Grab - Pool Party [Hot Haus]

This Melbourne producer is hot on everyone's lips at the moment with good reason; Mall Grab dropped his 'Pool Party' EP on Hot Haus earlier this year. The title track on the A-side is pure hype with driving thuds and escalating riffs directing the play. Lending from some cool west coast hip hop synths and twisting vocals, 'BFODAAS' is simply insatiable with it's pistol whipping form and zippy charisma that will get you shooting from the saddle. 'Catching Feelings' is a woozy, blissed out alternative that has been floating around the Australian's sets since last summer and is certainly one for the early hours. You can easily lose yourself in the looping melody and hats off for the seductive Outkast sample that manipulates the track in wonderful fashion. Mall Grab plays at London's Oval Space on Saturday 6th May alongside Tornado Wallace...

4.3/5

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

Words by Oli L

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Machinegewehr – A Girl You Know [Bordello A Parigi]

Strictly intergalactic vibes this week! This spacey nu disco number from Machinegewehr is a real toe tapping triumph. ‘A Girl You Know’ is part of the four track EP entitled ‘The Cordyceps’ by the Rotterdam based producer. Released on Bordello A Parigi, the dutch label specialize’s in almost a vintage electronic style which seems to be having a bit of a come back at the moment. Other big name releases on the label come from Jack Pattern, Skatebard and Palms Trax. 

‘A Girl You Know’ is a cosmic journey with silky, soothing vocals creeping in every now and then. It may not be a basement banger but it is definitely worth adding to the collection, certainly for the Italo fans out there. The rest of the EP is well put together and follows suit with a cosmic feel throughout. For more space disco keep an eye on Machinegewehr, he's got heaps of the good stuff!

4.0/5

Buy: Vinyl

Words by Barney C

WHERE TO GO: British Murder Boys at Oval Space

On the 25th March Oval Space continues this years undeniable string of bookings with revered techno duo British Murder Boys. The live project is made up of Anthony Childs (aka Surgeon) and Karl O’ Connor (aka Regis), two of the most famous faces in British techno and founders of what’s now become known as the Birmingham sound with the legendary ‘House of God’ parties, which has paved the way for UK techno from the start of the ‘90s. 

The British Murder Boys project was put to rest in 2008, now this is their first tour in almost 10 years. The duo’s last show was in Tokyo in 2013, where the performance was captured on the Live in Japan DVD, with a compilation album dropping the following year. The only UK date on the tour, and being the first time in 6 years that the two are playing in the UK together, this is literally not an opportunity to miss! 

The night will also host famed UK peer, Steve Bicknell who’s been at the helm of UK underground since the late ‘80s, playing the legendary raves ‘Orbital’ and ‘LOST’. Alongside the two British acts will be Minimal Wave label boss and NYC icon, Veronica Vasicka. She started her label to put out a mixture of Cold Wave, Post-Punk, Industrial and Synth-pop genres; you can expect to hear an assortment of synth-wavey and industrial sounds, plus electrifying techno and everything gritty in between. Intrigued as what to hear from her? Catch her Dekmantel set here. Also check out her sub-label, Cititrax which has recently released the highly-praised LP, ‘Adieux Au Dancefloor’ from Marie Davidson.

Tickets

Words by Fred D

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Antoni Maiovvi - Adams / Branca [Drift Music]

Described within the press release as ‘not for wimps’, this excellent debut from new label Drift Music cuts through the chaff. Co-founder of Giallo Disco, Antoni Maiovvi has a new imprint under way and is leading by example by submitting its first output. Taking a slightly different approach compared with his earlier records, Maiovvi evokes an ethereal feel while holding true to his dominant percussions and groove led kicks. Both clocking in at ten minutes these are mood setters extraordinaire, that carry you to new heights, you literally feel this might be music best enjoyed on a plane at 40,000 feet overlooking the blues and greens of the earth below you - not for everyone’s taste, not for wimps indeed.

4.2/5

Listen to the full EP 

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

Words by Ben S

MIX OF THE MOMENT: Daniele Baldelli Boiler Room Bali DJ Set

In the world of cosmic disco, Daniele Baldelli needs no introduction. The “founding father” was born in the small town of Catotolica, Northern Italy in 1952. Do the maths and you’ll work out that he is now the ripe old age of 65. This man’s a serious veteran. 

It is important to bear in mind the current state of musical entertainment before the 1970’s to truly recognise and appreciate the pioneer that Baldelli was. The disco didn’t exist, and live music reigned the dancehalls.  Gradually people started to dance to records as an alternative, or to provide a musical break for the bands. This is when the term disco-jockey was coined, simply putting one record on after another. Danielle made his DJ debut in 1969 at the age of 17 in is hometown club ‘Tana Club Discoteque’ after being scouted by the owner, who offered him the job of “putting on records.” At this time the technique was to turn up the volume of one 45 as you brought down the volume of the other. Naturally mixing wasn’t practiced as the technology simply didn’t exist to facilitate it.

Baldelli grew impatient with the lack of technological advancements and took matters into his own hands. Since neither mixers nor pre-listening devices existed, he invented new ways to enable him to give his music a degree of flow. One technique he used to be able to tell when the track started was to listen to the noise that the needle made as it struck the first grain on the record. He would then mark it with tape, acting as a reference point. 

In 1970 he moved to ‘Tabu Club’ in Cattolica. The music he played could be divided into two brackets: white music, mainly from Europe, and black music mainly from America. DJs at the time were limited to their local towns’ record store. However, Baldelli used to catch the train to Legano, or even Paris, where he would be able to find imported records, making his repertoire stand out from the rest.

After 4 years of DJ-ing ‘Baia Degli Angeli’ opened, which marked the historical beginning of discos in Italy. The club had a revolutionary late license to 6, and a glass lift that allowed the DJ to move from the first to the second floor enabling them to gauge the mood of the clubs many interior and exterior dance floors. The venue was the musical home of Danielle for the coming years until he moved to Cosmo where he really made a name for himself with his afro/funk style cosmic disco. It was here that he developed his signature sound, this took influence from the clubs drug culture (mostly heroin, which caused its users to dance slowly) and the declining popularity of traditional dance music. In 1980 Danielle invented the “DJ Concert.” This consisted of four turntables, two mixers and electronic drums or live percussion, 80 to 100 tracks were mixed in not much more than half an hour: a super mega mix was born, all of it being carried out live. 

Drug issues forced many clubs to close during the 1980’s, but Baldelli’s influence has continued right into the 21st century, aided by compilations such as ‘Cosmic Sound’ and ‘Back To My Funky Side’ on record labels such as Mediane, Cinedelic Records and Prismatikone.

This takes us to his most recent mix, recorded for Boiler Room in Bali. It is an hour long, packed with an eclectic range of his exclusives epitomising his slow paced cosmic style. Take a listen it’s a real treat. If you ever get the opportunity to see this man live, then definitely take it. He owns over 60,000 records so is not short of choice when it comes to ways to get you moving.

Words by Alex M

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Calibre - Grow [The Nothing Special]

“Calibre…what can I say??? As a recording artist/producer it’s easy to bounce around the word ‘artist’ – some people are students and practice an art form, whilst others perfect and become masters of their craft – to me Calibre unquestionably falls into the latter” - fitting words from none other than legendary artist Goldie. 

Following on from the release of Dominck Martin aka Calibre’s debut LP Grow on Craig Richards’ The Nothing Special imprint, the prolific Irish drum & bass producer has a new release stripped of drum & bass. The album Grow, released at the end of last year, is an eclectic 70 or so minute journey ranging from newfangled dub, breakbeat, post-dubstep, future garage, jazz and house and it’s the latter that Dom has followed suit with on this occasion. Title track ‘Grow’ is an emotive, uplifting house track that features his own self-recorded vocals. 

Calibre has always dabbled in other styles since his career began but recently we have seen an increase in more non drum & bass productions, in an interview last year he said, “I feel like its fine for a change and a widening of my horizons so expect more of this stuff.” Judging from these two recent releases on The Nothing Special the high level of production he is so well known for is most certainly retained, not to say we ever doubted the virtuoso. 

Reading the description for the release of the EP you understand this is clearly a heartfelt release and one where the listener taps into his more sensitive side as a producer at a difficult time in his life when this was written over ten years ago. You may ask yourself, like I did, why this track is also the name of the album yet it doesn’t feature on the album and as the description of the release goes on to explain that it was, “partly because its ultimately positive veneer (even though it was written in the midst of two toxic relationships - one personal, one with the bottle) doesn't quite complement the deeper, more contemplative aesthetic of the album. But also because this is the start of a whole new story for Calibre…” Exciting times ahead!

4.2/5

Listen to the full EP
Buy: Vinyl / Digital

Words by Ben C

RECORD OF THE WEEK: 5IVE/Samo DJ - Drunkenstein EP [The Trilogy Tapes]

For the third release this year, Will Bankhead’s The Trilogy Tapes welcomes back the quirky Swedish house producer Samo DJ (Sam Nyholm), this time alongside Japanese producers 5ive (Takenori Goto) and fellow Bornfree affiliate, Powder (Moko Shibata). Nyholm and Goto collaborated at the end of last year with their ‘Some Song Teachers’ EP on Public Possession and this release is a continuation of their fine trippy melodies and intricate drums patterns. 

The title track featuring Powder, ‘Drunkenstein’ is a slow-burner laced with African-drums and a throbbing bass, complimented with tinny percussion and industrial groans. Its tinkering melodies met with waves of distortions make it ones of those nonchalant trippy club tracks.‘Ethno Room’ leads you to get further lost in its mellow aura, with its smooth string of peculiar sounds fostered over continuous downtrodden kicks. More African drums and warm bass in ‘End Game’ continue to harness a chilled atmosphere that’s immersive yet equally as club-effective. The EP seems to focus on dance elements with warm powerful bass and fidgety rhythms, yet breezey synths and chimey percussions capture a kind of mysterious eloquence that delivers a chance to get lost in moments of joyous introspection. 

4.0/5

Listen to the full EP

Buy: Vinyl

Words by Fred D

Old 'n' Gold: Idris Muhammad - Could Heaven Ever Be Like This [Kudu Records]

For this week’s Old ‘n’ Gold we’re turning all nostalgic to celebrate the triumph that was Idris Muhammad’s 'Could Heaven Ever Be Like This' turning 40 years old. Recorded and released on US Label Kudu Records back in February 1977, the two-minute drum roll from the hands of the laid-back, understated and masterly Jazz drummer may leave the undiscerning listener feeling glazed and a bit puzzled… yet this a slow burning gem that could captivate any dancefloor in the right hands. It’s a treat of a burning jazz funk tinged disco journey that continually evolves, drops, and builds again. Composition aside, when the break enters, it’s a tune that everyone will recognise – sampled 23 times by the likes of Jamiroquai, Drake, J.Cole and most memorably, the driving force behind Jamie XX’s 'Loud Places'.

Muhammad’s playful production is not only particularly enjoyable to sit back and bask in, but its 40- year anniversary is especially timely for the concurrence with what’s been deemed ‘the current UK Jazz music revolution.’ The Guardian mooted last year that the scene was entering a new golden age; venues such as Camden’s Jazz Café can now run all week long events, seemingly sold-out at every turn. A genre associated with age and maturity is now being driven by a band of young producers. When previously you could only turn to Gilles Peterson and his Worldwide Festival series, now this is being emphasised by the summer smaller/medium electronic festival circuit’s championing of eclecticism and with the likes of Gottwood and Houghton ensuring the perfect sunny afternoon cocktail through the booking of Yussef Kamaal, Ishmael Ensemble and BADBADNOTGOOD to name but a few. Moreover the parallels can be drawn between the prolific Muhammad – the eternal jazz drummer and London’s very own young Moses Boyd; the MOBO award winner spearheading the revolutionary wave of UK jazz and headlining a stage at SXSW this year.

There’s a burgeoning appetite for this music and 'Could Heaven Ever Be Like This' is a record continually flying the flag for all to recognise. There’s also a special something about jazz – when the needle drops - it just sounds better on wax. Which is great news because you can still pick up a 7” of this classic for £7.50 over on Discogs.

Words by Marcus P

RECORD OF THE WEEK: John Heckle - Tone To Voice [Tabernacle Records]

Liverpudlian John Heckle has been releasing analog acid/techno/electro since he first appeared on Jamal Moss's Mathematics label in 2010. Indeed, he and Jamal (aka Hieroglyphic Being akaka The Sun God) have formed a sonic association since then, with both releasing singles and, in John's case, an album on the other's record label.

John now returns to his own label, the consistently excellent Tabernacle Records, for his third full-length. Tone to Voice finds him in full stargazing mood; we're treated to the sounds of the abandon of extraterrestrial enclaves, failed mind-control experimentation and the hazy hopes of humanity sorting itself out. For the dancers and the dreamers alike.

See also on Tabernacle Records: Jeremiah R, Scientific Dreamz of U, Lost Trax.

3.7/5

Buy: Vinyl

Words by Matt J

PREMIERE :: Ron Bacardi - Back For More [Razor-N-Tape]

Joining Brooklyn based Razor-N-Tape is Ron Bacardi (aka Ben Sims) with a 4-part disco edit EP that breathes heat, soul, rhythm, and grooves. Here we bring you the first track off the EP 'Back For More'.

Away from his busy DJing schedule, we had a quick catch up with the man himself to discuss his music-making ways and what the future holds for Ron Bacardi…

This particular release is made up of 4 disco edits. When it comes to producing music, do you find making edits or starting from scratch more enjoyable?

To be honest, as I started out trying to make Hip Hop in my teens, using samples and my record collection for source material has been quite a major feature of my productions since day dot and I tend to work better or get a vibe going quicker when digging through my 'to sample pile' than starting from scratch.

I still do tracks without samples at all, obviously, but rarely for the RB project.

When it comes to making edits, how do you go about searching for the original tracks / samples?

They’re largely from my collection but I buy records most days and there are always bits I pick up purely for sampling or edits. I guess I still think like a Hip Hop producer in that way, constantly searching and digging for beats, loops, riffs etc. I just never actually made any Hip Hop i was happy with. Maybe one day...

If you had to save one piece of music equipment from the fire, what would it be and why?

I used to distort and filter all my beats/loops through vintage analog synths, either a Roland SH-09 or a Korg MS20. i still own both but these days my go-to unit is the NIIO Iotine Core analog saturator. It's been on every track and edit I've done since i got it so right now it definitely feels like I couldn't produce without it.

You’re also better known as Ben Sims in the electronic music world. Do you think that the Ron Bacardi alias has allowed you as a DJ to be a bit more experimental in terms of genre and style?

Yeah, definitely. Once I'd established myself on the international Techno circuit in the late '90s it became very difficult to play any other styles, even if i was billed as playing an 'alternative set’. As i've been collecting black dance music for over 30 years, that can be frustrating as Techno is only a small part of my passion. Starting a new alias has really opened up the doors for me to play whatever i feel like in the RB sets as there isn’t really a fixed style, it can be Disco, Italo, House, Electro, Boogie - whatever suits the mood. That's really refreshing for me.

And lastly, what does the future hold for Ron Bacardi?

I'm happy to just let the project naturally progress. Right now, i'm finishing up a more straight up House EP while putting the finishing touches to another edit EP too. Gig-wise, I'm just trying to do an RB show once or twice a month and recently have done places like Panorama Bar and Concrete so it's going nicely without forcing it in a certain direction and i'm having a lot of fun playing to different audiences.

Ben Sims: RA | Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud
Razor-N-Tape: Bandcamp|SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter 

Words by Hugo P

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Rimbaudian – Letters [Ten Thousand Yen]

Rimbaudian brings us his brilliant, four track EP; Letters. The Swedish native went to town on this record, blending Lo-Fi house with super melodic samples and instrumentation. This is best showcased in my favourite track, the aptly named - ‘I Would Do Everything I Did Again, And Again’, where swirling vocal samples are met with melancholic piano chords to create a bittersweet journey. Rimbaudian does well to bring his own voice to this growing section of the genre, this is seen in tracks like ‘She Taught Me How To Love’ in which some awesome keyboard work is put on display. A well put together body of work, highly recommended.

The EP was released on 12” by Swansea based label, Ten Thousand Yen.

4.5/5

But: Vinyl / Digital

Words by Tobias Y