Preview: Gavin & Robbie Hardkiss - RetroactiveFuturisticPsychedelicFunkBump (Whiskey Pickle Records)

2013 was a bittersweet year for dance music lovers, scarred deeply by the tragic passing of Romanthony, as well as a true unsung hero of the scene by the name of Scott Hardkiss.

Not only was Scott an incredible producer in his own right, but back in 1997 he also created (in my opinion) the greatest Essential Mix of all time for Pete Tong's legendary Radio 1 show. The mix was a seminal moment for me as a teenager, acting as a beacon which drew me towards a lifelong love of the more spiritual side of dance music. You can listen to that mix and be transported (and transformed) right HERE.

Fast forward to 2014 and I'm delighted to hear that the remaining Hardkiss founders Gavin & Robbie have a new album in the pipeline. This is the second single from the forthcoming LP '1991', jammed full of retro flavours and fun(k).

"A slick slab of electro-boogie rhythms, the single features vocoded vox and a nasty bass that'll take listeners on an interstellar voyage from Cybotron to Planet Rock."

Remixers James Curd & Q-Burns Abstract Message are both on incredible form here, delivering tour de force versions, filled with inventive touches and positive energy.

Gavin Hardkiss himself completes the package under his Hawke moniker, creating one of the most unusual and original remixes I've heard in a very long time.

Release Date: February 10, 2013

Grab a preview here:



Label and Artist Links:
www.whiskeypickle.com
www.soundcloud.com/gavin-hardkiss

Preview: Kurt & Russell - Looking For The Real Thing (Mr Kim's Records)

For our first pick of 2013, we'd like to introduce you to the enigmatic (and delightfully insane) Mr Kim. Five time shaolin kung fu karaoke champion, Mr Kim himself is peddling his own brand of 'Double Happiness Disco', and we are loving it!

Kurt & Russell's original track simply cannot fail to bring a smile to your face. Expertly treading the invisible line between dance and pop music, this is an incredibly catchy record, but somehow it manages to stay on the right side of cheese. If Crazy P and Daft Punk smoked a couple of joints and had a jam session, it might sound a little something like this. Sublime!

On remix duty, James Curd from Greenskeepers links up with Sidwho? (who also happens to play bass for the wonderful Empire of The Sun), with predictably brilliant results. Quirky club music is the best way we can sum it up, it's a proper winter warmer...

Australian Harris Robotis serves up a much deeper, late night version full up of atmosphere which is also tickling all the right spots. Finally Space Coast close out the package with a floaty, stripped down take on the original.

The EP is released on 22nd Jan 2013, and until then you can get a sneak preview right here: