Preview: SIS - Lucid Hangover EP (Lucid Dreaming Records)

Self confessed boutique label, Lucid Dreaming Records are this month celebrating their two year anniversary. And what better way to do it, than with the talented SIS. The German born artist - better known as Burak Sar, is well known on the house scene, with releases on Cross Town Rebels and Get Physical to name just a few.

 LDR's primary goal is to "evoke certain emotions and feelings inside of you. We want you to dream big and lose yourself in the music" and this is exactly where I found myself. Lost amongst an eclectic mix of percussions, deep tones and atmospheric melody.

The first track on the EP is entitled "Clash" and has a haunting yet uplifting melody, with pan pipes slicing through the smoothness to create an individuality to this stunning tune. Track two "Hang" keeps you totally uplifted, and adds an oriental feel to the whole vibe.

The EP as a whole is a beautiful work of art, and although it conjures up visions of beaches on far away shores and beautiful sunsets, it keeps a consistency to the beat throughout, giving versatility, and ensuring that this will be equally at home in the darker reaches of the clubland.

'Clash' is out on June 8th; until then you can enjoy some previews here:

Review: Kepikei – Back to School EP (Top Billin Records)

This week Slovakian born Kepikei returns with a killer techno EP - Back to School which gets released on the 14th May. Top Billin Records are quoted as saying “We don’t often drop deep music on the label, so when we do you should expect it to be something out of the box, as is the case this time” and they weren't kidding! This EP smashes it! Kepikei - now a resident of sunny LA, has produced something that would be more at home in the darkest depths of Berlin!

Track one “Dawn” gives you a sinister but exciting insight as to where this EP might be going, with track two – “In so many Ways” upping the anti, with the female vocal loop cutting through the heavy electronic backdrop. Track three entitled “Nancee Kelly”, may sound like a Disney heroine, but think Maleficent, more than Sleeping Beauty! The final track on the EP is aptly named “Spun” and keeps the energy levels up until the bitter end.

Individually, the tracks are creative, innovative and fast paced. As a whole the EP demonstrates why Kepikei is attracting attention from DJs and industry media, solidifying his reputation as one of the most interesting DJs in the warehouse techno scene at the moment.

"Back To School" is available now on all major download stores, or buy directly via the Top Billin' Bandcamp

Preview: RiCHARD.GEAR - Strange Magick (bodytalk)

RiCHARD.GEAR steps up for the bodytalk label's second release with his new offering, "Strange Magick". Founder of the excellent Whiskey Pickle imprint, Mr Gear is a regular fixture on the after-dark scene in his native Austin, Texas.

The title track combines some classic house sounds with insistent, discordant vocal samples to create palpable tension. This is proper after-hours material, with the added bonus of a lovely bouncing groove.

George Horn (Acryl Music, DeepWit) smooths out proceedings with his laid back, rolling remix. A warm bassline joins up to some subtle stabs, keeping the energy levels just right throughout.

The second track, "Be Free," has a much more stripped-down approach, featuring slow-building chords and a life-affirming vocal sample. A M.I.J.A.S. remix completes the package, upping the intensity with classic 808 drums, plus filtered chords and bass.

Overall this is a great release, with a mix for (almost) all occasions. Check it out right here:

Preview: Liquid Light - Human Condition EP (Blue Bass Records)

Sotiris Rinou, the talent behind Liquid Light is back with his latest EP Human Condition, which is being released on May 15^th on his own label Blue Bass Records. With a discography that stretches back nearly a decade, he has caught attention from the likes of Laurent Garnier, Hernan Cattaneo, James Zabiela and Anthony Pappa. 

The first track on the EP “Rephlex” has a minimal feel, pulling together the sound of the piano, male vocal samples and off beats. The synths quickly help change the direction, giving a much more upbeat funkiness. Track two, named “Come Together” is heavier, with some subtle yet effective beat changes that lead you down a different path without you realising how you got there. 

The third track named “Shake that thing” is my personal favourite and has incredible energy, with techno undertones, and the unmistakable sound of the bongo, that leaves you under no illusion that summer is nearly here and you should be appreciating this track whilst dancing on a Barcelona roof terrace. 

Finally “Until we meet again” is beautifully Euphoric, and reminds me slightly of the “Streets” classic Blinded by the light, but with less talking and more soul. I am looking forward to hearing the full EP on its release date, and know that one or all of these tracks will be grabbing the attention of many DJ’s throughout the next few months.

"Liquid Light" is out on May 15th on all major download stores.