Review: Iron Curtis - The K.M.S. Years (Office Recordings)

I found the name of this EP a bit misleading, as K.M.S. refers to where the producer was living (Karl Marx Strasse in Berlin) not to Detroit techno legend Kevin "Master Reese" Saunderson's label KMS.  However, there is definitely the fingerprint of Detroit on this music--finding funk in the machines.  To be clear, this is not a funk EP--but the spirit of funk is evident. 

Diving into the tracks, "Magnet" is not very complicated, but sometimes simplicity is the disguise of genius.  It feels amazing.  Read that again, "It feels amazing."  Not the sound, not the arrangement, not the notes, but that ever-ephemeral element--feel.  The elusive difference between "repetitive" and "hypnotic" has been nailed by Iron Curtis.  That said, there are a few sonic surprises such as the super-syncopated introduction that seems to be fighting itself, yet works. It works in the same way that your body understands funk even when your mind doesn't; like when James Brown's grooves dance around "the one"--but it is never hard to find. Later there's the section where it sounds as though it's gone from a studio recording to an outside location, like we've gone for a smoke in the back-alley.  This is a great way of lifting the mood a bit before the insistent groove gets dropped on you again (which you are happy to receive!)  The take-no-prisoners kick drum says "Dance sucka!" and would make Sir Nose D'voidoffunk shake his rump.  Combined with the organ, piano, pads and perfectly-placed bass notes, this track has "classic" written all over it.

"What Happened Happened" is quite a bit murkier, but no less pleasant.  It's a bit like an after-club meal with friends where you don't remember the details, but the general feeling was good and you know something interesting went on because your friends always bring it up, but can't go into specifics.  The sounds are slightly distorted, the spoken word sample sounds pitched-down and kind of glitchy.  The bass & drum groove is solid and moves you along and the keyboard sounds have a dirty, but not dark vibe to them.  The "Berg Reduktion" of "…Happened" picks the mood up quite a bit.  It's less hazy memories and more cool party groove.  The  distorted and murky samples are still there, but the drums, bass and keys are a lot more upbeat.  Nowhere near as heavy as "Magnet," but well-balanced given the force of the A-side.

This one should work for terrace/lounges, bars and clubs and I think you're doing yourself a disservice if you do NOT buy this.  I expect to hear this one being played for years to come…

Office Recordings (OR04)
Format :  12inch vinyl / Digital
Release: 30.03.2015

Review: Aiby & The Noise - Dangerous Liaisons (Colour and Pitch)

Colour & Pitch has quickly established itself as a go-to label for deep, melodic and, let’s be honest here, intelligent music,  of which  their latest release – Aiby & The Noise “Dangerous Liaisons / Dream Suite” - is a perfect example. 

Barcelona based producers Garcy Noise and Vanessa Aiby’s first appearance on the label came with their storming remix of Teysel’s “”Continuous”,  to be quickly followed by this excellent two tracker  under their  own name.  

Lead track “Dangerous Liasons” is a warm and welcoming deep dancer that captivates from the first note – and of not from then, from the first “Yeah” which follows 20 odd seconds later. With a vocal top line of “Who needs enemies with a friend like you?” dancing across it’s wonderfully analogue depths and a perfectly old school skipping hi-hat pattern providing an irresistible drive, it’s destined to become a major favourite in next to no time.

Companion piece “Dream Suite” is an equally deep affair, but one that’s more of a grower  - musically and emotionally.  Starting from a drum pattern, other elements – including a distinctly enigmatic spoken vocal and a nicely growling bass - are added gradually until roughly the 3 minute mark,  when it breaks into sparser reverb drenched territory;  by then you’re on so much of a journey  you might get lost, where it not for the percussion coming back to show you the way home. Lovely stuff.

Aiby & The Noise “Dangerous Liasons” / “Dream Suite” , Colour & Pitch (CAP006) is available as a Beatport exclusive until December 9^th, when it hits iTunes and all other online stores. Buy it.

Preview: Teysel - Continuous (Colour and Pitch)

Barcelona based DJ and producer Teysel takes centre stage for C&P’s 5th release. Inspired by underground Chicago and West Coast US house music, Teysel’s traditional, precise approach to DJing is reflected in his compositions. With an EP and several remixes released on German label EUN, he is now also finding his feet as a producer. Title track ‘Continuous’ represents a slice of simple, Berlin influenced, stripped down tech house, full of dark and brooding atmospheres.

Ahead of their forthcoming debut single on Colour and Pitch, Spanish production duo Aiby & The Noise make their entrance (and live up to the second half of their name) with a truly raucous remix of ‘Continuous’. Replaying the bass-line and adding some classic breaks, they transform the track into a growling behemoth; to be handled with caution!

Hailing from Czech Republic, residing in Brighton UK, A-Bee & Tom Vagabondo have released on countless labels both separately and together as The Lazyboys. Their remix of Continuous completes our package with a deep and mournful deep house journey, adding haunting spoken word and bleak, atmospheric synths.

Continuous is out now, exclusively via Beatport

Exclusive: Lifers - Finders Keepers EP (Avangardia)

Harold Heath and our very own blogger in chief Sumsuch are proud to present their new project- Lifers. The first of many collaborations, this EP contains one original, plus solo remixes from each artist. To top it off, Avangardia boss Ricky Ryan has roped in top Indian producer Hamza (boss of Wind Horse Records), as well as Latin American stars Dee Keepers to add their own special magic...

Here's what the label have to say:

"AVANGARDIA all bright eyed and bushy tailed in 2012 introduce themagical world of Harold Heath & Sumsuch. Presenting - Lifers debut single 'Finders Keepers'., , Hazma opens the evenings proceedings with a lovely-lounge-locked driven groove with mountains of melody and Detroit 'Strings of Life' accents to illuminate you., , Harold Heath and Sumsuch 'Dub' it to the bone and re-jack the underbelly exposing the inner workings of the power station that drives Finders Keepers., , Sumsuch by his own admission roughs it up with robotic commands and bass-end acrobatic misbehaviour to leave you in no doubt who's the captain of this ship., , Dee Keepers make it clear from the very start that there is no hurry. The Melodic chords are stretched out as far as your eyes can see giving your ears plenty of time to ingest every last morsel., , Harold & Sumsuch's original version is stealthily and thoughtful. The momentum never allows you to leave the comfort of this well crafted Deep House exploration."

'Finders Keepers' will be available on all major download stores from June 2012.

http://www.beatport.com/search?query=Avangardia

Review: Gavin Boyce - Divine In You (Nordic Trax)

One of the greatest joys as a DJ is discovering a new track which you immediately know will slot right into your sets, like a missing piece of the puzzle. For me, Irishman Gavin Boyce has supplied just such a track with his sublime new single 'Divine In You'. Deep house in the purest sense of the phrase; the groove is restrained, the bassline effortlessly cool yet utterly compulsive, and the vocal anthemic. It's rare that I end up listening to a track over and over again, but this is probably most the addictive record I've heard so far this year. The 'Alternate Mix' strips down the groove, letting the sublime vocal and piano create a truly uplifting atmosphere. Fellow Irishmen Fish Go Deep are real stalwarts of the scene, and their remix definitely does the job, though for me it loses some of the emotional impact and restraint which I love so much about the original.

Release dates:
17th April 2012 (Traxsource Exclusive)
8th May 2012 (General Release)

NT071 GAVIN BOYCE - Divine In You by Nordic Trax

Review: Adnan Sharif - WeR1 (Uniting Souls Music)

Seattle's Uniting Souls Music have impressed me greatly with their last few releases. It's a label which doesn't fall into the trap of releasing safe, generic tracks like so many others these days, and this policy really makes it stand out from the crowd. The latest release is certainly no exception, featuring a spiritual call to the dancefloor from veteran DJ and producer Adnan Sharif, as well as remixes by Pezzner & Michael Manahan. Musically, the package is perfectly balanced. The original version is a completely unique tune; dark, delicate and soulful in equal measure, with a gorgeous vocal drop from Light Searcher. Pezzner's remix meanwhile is nothing less than a deep house dancefloor behemoth, with all the darkness, twists, turns and squelches we've come to expect from him. Finally, Michael Manahan's version takes on a much lighter mood and a real hypnotic sense of musicality, making it ideal for the terrace. A fantastic EP overall, highly recommended.

WeR1 is released on April 3rd 2012 on all major download stores.

Adnan Sharif - WeR1 (Uniting Souls Music) by 8DPromo

Review: Ghostnotez - Bilk 123 (DCSTrax)

DCSTrax have become well respected for their consistently deep, quality output, and this, their 15th release is definitely no exception. It warms my heart to say this EP is available on vinyl as well as digitally (albeit with a slightly different track listing)- proving this is a label standing firmly behind their material, and putting their money where their mouth is.

This is the debut release for German producers Ghostnotez (AKA Matt Flores & Doogie P). Bilk 123 sees the pair embracing the slower BPMs which are all the rage at the moment, and mixing their creation on analogue gear which really does make a difference to the sound. Atmospheric, warm and hypnotic, the track builds beautifully throughout, managing to sound both classic and brand new at the same time.

The first remix in the package is by Jay Tripwire, a man who should need no introduction to fans of proper house music. Already a favourite producer of mine, this may well be the finest work I've heard from him. On the surface you could say it's acid, or jackin', or moody, and you'd be right. However it's hard to explain just how beautiful, sensitive and, dare I say it, pretty this track is- I suggest you buy it and find out for yourself.

Finally we are treated to another stellar remix by OneThirty Recordings' boss Jevne Miller. Also keeping the BPM low, lovely rolling percussion, a killer bassline and some very sneaky steel drum sampling are the order of the day here. Fantastic.

Overall, this is without doubt this is the most compelling release I've heard so far from DCSTrax, and the quality of music on display places the label squarely into the territory of the bigger boys such as Freerange & 20:20. I hope this release gets the acclaim it deserves, and really puts DCSTrax on the map.


Vinyl release: 20th November 2011
Digital Traxsource Exclusive: 7th December 2011

Review: Shades Of Gray - Soul Machine (Beef Records)

I was completely bowled over by the 6 track promo sampler for this, the debut Shades of Gray LP. Following my extremely positive feedback, the lovely folks at Beef Records were kind enough to send me a copy of the double CD album. It's rare that I get any kind of physical music through the post nowadays, and it makes the experience of sitting down for a listening session feel so much more special.

Before we move onto the music, let's get a bit of background on the duo themselves, taken from the label's press release:

"After 18 months of intense work in the studio Shades of Gray emerge with their debut album ‘Soul Machine’.  The duo of Michal Schwa and Nick West have progressively established themselves over the years producing consistently solid tracks and remixes for labels such as Neurotraxx Deluxe, Om Records, Salted Music, Dark Energy, Tronicsole and of course their home label Beef Records on which ‘Soul Machine’ is released. Released as a 2 CD set, vinyl and digital download, ‘Soul Machine’ includes 11 original tracks and 11 remixes from an all-star cast including veterans The Timewriter, Jef K & Gwen Maze, Soul Minority, Fiord and Lexy (Lexy & K-Paul) as well as some of the hottest emerging producers such as Peter Horrevorts, Steve Ward, Uone, LuRob and Londonground."

Opening the double CD case I'm immediately confronted with the following quote in the inner casing: "Life is not black and white, it is the subtleties you find amongst the million shades of gray that makes you who you are". Pretty deep, conceptual stuff- the excitement which has stayed with me from the material I've already heard grows stronger as I load up both CDs and press play...

The thing which impresses me no end about 'Soul Machine' is the quality which oozes from every sound on the record. This is considered, clever production, with a huge amount of flair and originality which has been carefully sculpted into an album which is truly a treat for the ears. No corners have been cut here, no obvious samples used- in short there isn't one point in the whole LP where the producers are giving any less than 100%.

House LPs are always difficult to get right and Shades of Gray manage a perfect balance between dancefloor sensibility and the depth & musicality required for home listening. 'Drums Of The South', 'Crazee' & 'Midnight Lover' are instant classics, and the rest of the collection isn't half bad either...

The remixers for this project have been well chosen, I really wouldn't say there's a bad mix in the whole package. Highlights for me have to be The Timewriter's inspired mix of 'Drums Of The South', Peter Horrevorts' sublime version of 'Back To The Future' & Fiord's dreamy take on 'Higher Ground'.

Overall this is a really special package of music, brilliantly written, carefully crafted and elegantly presented. If even half the music I get sent was anywhere close to as good as this record, I would be a very happy man...

You need this in your life!

Buy digital:
http://www.beatport.com/label/beef-records/2594

Buy vinyl/CD:
http://www.juno.co.uk/labels/Beef+Germany/
http://www.decks.de/t/shades_of_gray-soul_machine/bys-3o

To celebrate the release of Soul Machine, Shades of Gray are offering a FREE track from the album! Grab it here:
FREE DOWNLOAD – Shades Of Gray – Illusions (from the Soul Machine album) by Shades of Gray

Review: Graham Laverty - Speaking of You EP (Deep Edition)

Deep Edition is a new UK label which has been consistently impressing over the last few months with some great releases. Seeing talented newcomer Graham Laverty and bona fide deep house legend Nikola Gala on the same release got my attention, and I felt moved to put pen to paper.

Sunderland based Laverty is relatively new to the scene but has already gained support from the likes of Richie Hawtin, Nic Fanciulli, DJ Sneak, Timo Maas and Ekkohaus to name a few. His releases so far have been consistently solid, combining Deep and Tech sensibilities seamlessly.

The 'Speaking of You' EP is a debut solo release for Graham on the Deep Edition label, following his excellent remix of Martijn's 'Sweet Sound' back in December 2010. The first track 'Speaking Of You' sees a confident young producer playing with deeper shades of house layered over a solid techy groove. Some lovely percussive touches raise this track above the average, and the bassline drop after the breakdown is sure to produce a special moment when played out. The other original track, Mainline is more of a moody shoe-gazer, perfect for those later sets. Dark and atmospheric bass and vocals bubble over 'straight up' percussion with heavy high hats, making this a real dancefloor prospect.

Spotting Nikola Gala's name on any package tends to get us very excited indeed, and I'm happy to report that there was no let down here. Proper vibey, hypnotic driving house music from an on-form producer.

Martijn's remix of Mainline completes the package, and very nearly steals the show! Dark, pitched down vocals and heavy sub bass are the order of the day here- truly excellent stuff.

'Speaking of You' is released exclusively on Juno from 12th December and all other stores from 26 December 2011

Graham Laverty - Speaking of You Ep // inc Nikola Gala & Martijn Remixes by Deep Edition Recordings

Pre-order the EP from iTunes here:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/preorder/speaking-of-you-ep/id481174694

Review: At One - African Healing Dance (Atjazz Record Company)

"Behold I bring you tidings of great joy to all people"

Okay, I must say how excited I am to tell you about this beauty,....here we have another sublime forthcoming release from the Atjazz stables, can't fault them at all, no sir-e-bob! 'At One' makes his debut appearance on the label, currently signed with 'Osunlade' at Yoruba Records. He brings with him his own take on "Techy Afro underground House", to great effect, And makes this recording a memorable journey, producing nothing less than a dance-floor belter! So without further adieu i bring to you, "African Healing Dance".... 'For Your Mind, Your Body and Your Soul" 'You Get Where I'm Coming From, Ooohhhh Baby".  \o/

Release Note blurb;

’African dance healing’ is an awesome workout of percussion, beats, bass and vocals and is a wash with stylish & precise synth production. This latest outing for the UK’s ‘At One; is set for the main dance floor and is backed up by Wyoma’s beautiful words of wisdom, “Wyoma honors dance as a healing and spiritual endeavor”. This careful selection of lyrics really does make you think twice and make you wanna get up and use those feet you we’re given. African dance healing does what it says on the tin, already supported with incredible feedback by Atjazz. Accompanying this wonderful piece of writing is another well rounded piece of music entitled ‘Miti’, a straight down the line dance-floor bumper, with a twist on what people know as “Techy Afro House” ‘At One’ has really started for us a new direction in this genre & we are very proud to have this artist as part of the ARCo. family.

At One is a new age DJ/Producer with an old-skool kick, playing in and around the U.K's capital city London on a regular basis, mainly spinning deep/soulful/afro house. Over the years At One concentrated on building strong networks and artist affiliations with the likes of Phil Asher, Sy Sez & Gavin Peters, Danny Native, Tayo Maronie, Matt Bandy, Neil Pierce, Dj 279, Cut Master Swift (DMC world champion), Plus many more. 
The music At One produces has an interesting twist to it’s overall sound, whatever genre it is. At One encompasses the best from every area within the genres he produces within and places these influences into his music whatever style his productions may be. The At One sound is neither old nor new but something in it’s own space which lasts the test of time.

Wyoma is a performer and facilitator of African and healing dance, as well as a body/mind consultant. For over twenty-three years she has taught and conducted workshops in a wide range of contexts throughout the United States. She has also worked in Africa and New Zealand. Central to her approach is the transformative and organic nature of African Dance, and the recognition of our body's own inherent wisdom. Wyoma honors dance as a healing and spiritual endeavor, and has become a creative force for transformation among her students, audiences, and associate performers.

Listen to the Mixes here

Released by: Atjazz Record Company
Release/catalogue number: ARC-035-SD
Release date: Dec 9, 2011

Album: D-Sisive - Run With The Creeps (Urbnet Records)

I first heard Canadian MC D-Sisive on a DJ Format record back in 2005, on which his tone, deft flow, clever lyrics and innate sense of fun immediately caught my attention. Unfortunately I jumped on the D-Sisive bandwagon just as he entered a period of writers block.

After almost 3 years of silence he returned in 2008 with what must be one of the most prolific comebacks in music history. His return saw darker lyrics, a sharper tongue, as well as a genuine disdain for both the music industry and the current state of hip hop.

Without doubt one of the cleverest and most original rappers on the international scene, D-Sisive's recent output has been constantly compelling. Although some of the beats he chooses to rhyme over may not be my personal choice, his ability to paint a picture with words never fails to impress.

Having given away not one but two concept albums as free downloads (the sorely underrated 'Jonestown' LPs), D-Sisive has followed up with 'Run With The Creeps', released on November 15th 2011. Probably his most honest and original record to date, this album is full of dense, claustrophobic beats and introspective lyrics- fans of feel-good party hip hop need not apply. On first listen there are a couple of immediately likable tracks which are clearly more accessible, however I would rather not dissect the record- I strongly recommend it should be listened to in its entirety. It's a proper album with a beginning, middle and ending, exactly as it should be.

Railing harder than most against the morass of shallow, commercialised nonsense which passes for rap music these days, if anyone in the industry deserves a break, it's Derek Christoff. As his label Urbnet told me: "So far we have had the best response with this D-Sisive record. We hope this is the record that launches his career!"

Stream and Buy 'Run With The Creeps' here:

http://urbnet.bandcamp.com/album/run-with-the-creeps-thed-luxeedition

Download 'Jonestown' FREE here:

http://urbnet.bandcamp.com/album/jonestown

Proj3kt Dharma - Forgotten By The Universe (DeepWit Recordings)

Some things are timeless like the holiday season and beautiful moving deep house music. DWR009 is the perfect reflection of timeless music with its alluring melodies, smooth well-formed breaks and exquisitely executed compositions.

The Original Artist, Proj3kt Dharma, a mysterious Canadian producer brings us a track both deep and smooth. Forgotten By The Universe, with it's organic mix of elements, from the trilling guitar to the sensual vocals, helps you to float off into another more peaceful and love filled universe while maintaining an empowering although more mellow groove to help you on your journey.

The second track on the release is "Forgotten By the Universe" (tONKPROJECT From Another Galaxy Remix). Between his label Behaviors and  his unforgettable signature sound and talent, tONKPROJECT frequently makes his way onto Beatport's Deep House Top 100 and has released on labels such as Apollo, Etoka, I Records, Lost My Dog, DeepClass Records, Urban Torque, Plastic City and of course Behaviors. With his remix he brings a lustrous track full of the smooth sensual feel of the original while bringing the power up with drivingly simple yet moving percussions and baselines.

Release Date: Dec 19th 2011

Check out tONKPROJECT's sublime remix here:
http://soundcloud.com/behaviors/project-dharma-forgotten-by

Perfeck Strangers - Ghetto (Urbnet Records)

Veteran Toronto emcees Dan-e-o and Promise are now tackling the world of music as a tandem. It's easy to say that Perfeck Strangers are an unlikely pair, but when listening to their music you would think they have been rhyming together for years.

Both accomplished rappers in their own rights, their union presents a "perfeck" melding of talent in the vein of Hip Hop's most heralded duos, such as Black Star, De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and Little Brother.

Dan-e-o and Promise have even been compared to legendary tag-teams like EPMD and Das EFX for the way they effortlessly flip lines back and forth with each other.

In 2012, their debut album, "Series Premiere" will air worldwide, with distribution via URBNET Records.

"Ghetto" is also available on URBNET's "Underground Hip Hop Volume 7" compilation, on iTunes now at: http://itunes.apple.com/album/urbnet-underground-hip-hop/id477620119

Santiago Santamaria - One Night (UM Records)

UM Records returns for its fourth release and the first for 2012 with Argentinian producer Santiago Santamaria's 'One Night'. The EP serves up four tracks of warm, moody and lazy deep house including two remixes - one from the current darling of deep house Alvaro Hylander, and the second from respected Candian house DJ/producer Jon Delerious.

Santiago Santamaria's influences lie in jazz and saw him study classical piano as a teenager. His production career started back in 2000 inspired by Detroit's sounds and early deep house. Followers of Plaster Records, Digital Department, GAM Recordings and more recently Deso Records will be familiar with Santiago's organic sounds and elegant deep house tunes but he's certainly one to watch in the coming year with another EP already in production for UM Records.

Alvaro Hylander needs little introduction in deep house circles these days as the man behind DeepWit Recordings. Originally from southern Spain but now based in Denmark his productions have been released on iRecords, Disclosure Project, Lens Media, Acryl Music, Behaviors, Alma Soul Music, TEAM and more with remixes for the likes of The Messenger, Sumsuch and Pablo Fierro to his name.

Calgary's own Jon Delerious has been a staple in the west coast house music scene since his first 'big' gig in 1992. Since then his production talents have seen him grow into an internationally respected DJ/producer. His music has been supported by a diverse array of artists from Gilles Peterson through to Laurent Garnier. As a DJ he's played around the globe with some of house music's finest including 'Little' Louie Vega, Carl Cox, Mark Farina and Ben Watt. A regular on Nordic Trax he's also been featured on City Life, Doppelgaenger, Filter Music and more over the years.

UM Records is part of the untitledmusic project that encompasses a blog, a worldwide weekly radio show on eNation, Deepvibes, Live1.fm, Westradio to name just a few, and the largest deep house fans page on Facebook. To date releases have been gathering strong support from the likes of Atnarko, Evren Ulusoy, Jay West, Andy Riley (Inland Knights), Jazzy Eyewear, Robert Owens, Fred Everything, Leigh Morgan, Rick Preston, Graeme Park, Jon Delerious, Matthias Vogt, Nick Holder and more.

Listen to the Preview Clips Here:
Santiago Santamaria - One Night (UM Records, UMR004) (Preview Clips) by Kahua Music

Release Date:
16th Jan 2012

Ryan Sullivan - Blue Label Series #4 : MDH / The Chase

For the fourth installment of the Blue Label Series, Eighth Dimension sets its sights on the burgeoning house music scene of South Africa and an accomplished Cape Town-based DJ/producer by the name of Ryan Sullivan. With singles on various labels (including his own Gut Feel imprint) dating back to 2005, and the recent release of his debut artist album No One Will Ever Know (on Triplefire Music), Ryan Sullivan is certainly no stranger to the recording studio or DJ's playlists. He approached Eighth Dimension with a pair of tough, polished house music tracks that exhibited a unique mix of rhythmic ingenuity and melodic know-how, immediately grabbing the label's interest. The two tracks, leading off this latest Blue Label Series release, are "MDH" and "The Chase."

We say: Fantastic, atmospheric, moody originals, showing some proper production chops. Remixes are all great, too- highly recommended!

Ryan Sullivan - Blue Label Series #4 : MDH / The Chase (Eighth Dimension Records - 8TH40D)) by Eighth Dimension

Out Now on Beatport

http://eighthdimension.com/

http://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/ryansullivan

Get a taste of the incredible Stereo 77 version of 'The Chase' here:
http://soundcloud.com/djstereo77/ryan-sullivan-the-chase-stereo