Over 3kg of wax to feast your ears on...
Sonodab - Neuronal (KINA MUSIC) [KNMVLTD 002]
Really exciting to see a new release from Sonodab, who has been one of my favourite producers in the last eighteen months. The Spaniard has always had an exquisite touch to his programming, and now his sound design looks to be reaching similar heights. This four tracker is the biz with soul soaked ‘Fónico,’ doing silly things to my hips. Outrageous groove.
Eric - Zabava (Bodyparts) [BPV015]
Bodyparts must be applauded for keeping the quality of their output so high whilst always trusting in fresher, emerging talent. Ukrainian based Eric will come out of the shadows for this fifteenth vinyl instalment with two wicked numbers, especially ‘Zabava’s' swanky low end and hot, jungle-y vibraciones. It's SIT’s two remixes that'll bring most of the eyes to this record though, which are both more straight down the line than their usual work, the club mix being a real catch. Rolly loveliness with modular glibs in the gaps.
David Nicolas - Maloma (KUSI) [KUSI001]
Gorgeous first release from KUSI Records here, with Mannhiem’s David Nicolas providing a splendid original and bad ass Barac on remix duty. I have a feeling this will start going for an arm and a leg in the months to come, but its not so surprising. There's a real complexity in the simplicity of the original, with its slicey hats piercing through that stunning, haunting melody. Then there’s Barac interpretation, which to most will be the pull here, with a 7am hands up, techno twist that'll do some proper dirty on the floor.
Fabe - Ando EP (SUKHUMVIT) [SOI002]
Fabe will always conquer big ass basslines, fat hats and spot on sample selection and there's no exception here for Sukhumvit’s highly anticipated second release. The mixdowns for these tracks have a real snap and pop that will undoubtedly give any system the sweats. Scratch around these Mannheimers (Sedee, Nicolas above too) and you’ll be pleased to find a bunch of material just released, and more upcoming too, including a little number on this label ;)
Petre Inspirescu - Vin Pluoile (Mule Musiq Japan) [MULEMUSIQ 192]
Unfortunately the vinyl copy of Pedro’s album has sold out, but there was no way I couldn’t mention this special record. Whether functioning as a delicious soundtrack whilst doing the washing up, or sitting down and actively admiring its profound musicality, this album works on every level. With such a host of instrumentation on display, the real joy is in the onset of vivid scenarios that scramble out of your imagination, twisting even further with Petre's modular system added to the equation. From Delir 4’s incredible and playful trip down an Eastern river, to Lumiere’s almost unbearable, monstery tension, there is cosmic energy in this music. Brave Pedro, bravo.
Pelle / Roon - Fonto EP (KARTON) [KRTNV 006]
Lovely to see Pelle and Roon pushing Karton into new waters with this sweet, three track EP. There is an audible step up in quality in both of these boys productions, with this release showing a deep exploration of their machines whilst still being basted in that thick, Karton sauce. ‘Hiklero’ is a delightful number; gentle, angelic and juicy, whilst ‘Asato,’ although a tad west upon first listen, is lovely, loopy and absolutely eye melty.
Enzo Siragusa - Sanctuary EP (FUSE) [FUSE021]
Last time, FUSE020 really highlighted Enzo’s growth as a producer, whose tracks are far sparklier than the muddier mix-downs of his early Fuse contributions. With a fantastic network of producers in the crew and wicked investments in the studio, it is no surprise that his once slower, ‘fusic’ style deepness has matured into tougher, rattlier minimal house. This EP will see some of the lesser known tracks that have been doing the rounds a release, with Solo the real standout here, a wicked, vocal mashed pudding that proper gets the belly rumbling.
S.A.M - Terminal (International Sun/Earth Explorer) [ISEE 001]
I am a huge fan of S.A.M and his buddies Lazare Hoche and Malin Genie, whether as standalone producers or collectively as the formidable Mandar. This EP is again, sublime, with three fantastic tracks that will serve as peak time, hands in the air loveliness or after hour deepness with mates, with the b-side ‘Terminal’ in particular a sick combination of the two. There were some pretty special prices already being fetched for this record on Discogs last week, so I would kindly urge the label to keep this material accessible and get that repress on the lathe! (Feed the artists, not the sharks!)
JQUE PBRS TGXU - Pseudomorph EP (Vigenére) [VGNR 01]
Sticking with the Mandar gang, and a more techno-y record here that most will be pleased to know is an alias of the main man Malin Genie. I did in fact struggle to choose between this and an another record waiting to be released on the same label (check it out, its dope) but I had to go with this one, purely because of one of the tracks on here, B2, is an animal. Dusty mad shit. No prisoners
Slow Life - Chromophore (SLOW LIFE) [SL006]
What's most majestic about this VA is the processing slapped across the whole EP, and it’d be easy to mistake any of these tracks as re-issues from the 90s. Spacey ninths, walky basslines and skippy hats dominate proceedings with freshness especially from Seafoam and Mike Welch. It is S.Moreira once again though with the real treasure, 'Clean or High' is just a deep house killer with delightful swing and tremendous space in the mix.
VA - Beste Fruende 2 [BFF02]
Over the moon to see Manooz’s name on a release for Beste, who have been upping their reputation with every record they push. While keeping faith to the labels thick, rumbly policy, Manooz has managed to incorporate a lush, floaty twist into his track that just does it for me. Game over. Check out these guys back catalog for some heavy house shiz, especially from label owner and ace selector, Cinthie.
Rich Nxt - NXT001 (NXT RECORDS)
Rich Nxt’s influence has always been at the beating heart of the Fuse sound, with emphasis on bottom heavy tracks smothered in wicked, unorthodox noises that really shine on a rig. This new label will hopefully mean we get to see some of this guy’s amazing pile of unreleased music, starting with this triple pack of goodiness, with ‘Hair’ being top dog for me!
Ion Ludwig - May Mission EP (Kontrast Music) [KNTRST 001]
Last but certainly not least... I really wanted to keep this one to myself. Amazing Ion, again. Enjoy.
MR
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