Review: Karizma - Beats & Bobs Vol. 2 [R2 Records]

There are producers that feel the need to throw the kitchen sink at their tracks, smothering them in every effect and process imaginable. Karizma is not one of them. The latest in his Beats & Bobs series on R2 Records is remarkable for its infectious simplicity and stripped back grooves.

The opener “Klearkut” features a steady, bumpy afro-tech build overlaid with multi-textured percussive and melodic stabs and flows. A tough kick steers the track away from noodling territory and drive the simple melodies to a place where a subtle bass line and some unobtrusive squelches somehow add up to much more than the sum of this track’s parts.

The 10 minute “Earth These Beats” opens with a naggingly familiar old skool breakbeat and hypnotic, catchy stabs, rolling bumpily along through a series of nicely constructed breakdowns that will keep any dance floor on its toes.

All too often chefs ruin perfectly good ingredients by simply trying too hard. It takes skill and bravery to present a dish with a few simple ingredients, perfectly handled. But that’s exactly what Karizma has done with this release, and it’s refreshing to hear.

Beats & Bobs Vol.2 is out on October 27th.

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:

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.

Preview: Warma - Bunny EP (KDB Records)

Out on May 19th, this EP comes from the "first post-Soviet vinyl label", KDB. With some of the quirkiest artwork we've seen this year (a figure skating Putin anyone?!), the title track is a fun slice of techy house from Ukranian producers Warma. There's also a remix from South African producer Philip Jo, part of Dubai's seminal Audiotonic crew.

The Seth Schwarz version is truly the star of the show here though, featuring no less than 30 layered violin parts, all played live by the Berlin producer.

If you like your dance music emotionally charged, epic and containing lyrics about rabbits, you'll want to snap this one up!

kdb-records.com

Preview: Never Knows feat. Qzen - Untitled 26 (Untitled & After)

An absolute treat of a single here from little-known San Francisco imprint 'Untitled & After'. Industrial electronic sounds with tinges of techno are the order of the day here, coupled with a beautiful vocal courtesy of Qzen, a singer whose credits include collaborations with John Tejada, 40 Thieves and many others. As with all the best tracks, 'Untitled 26' defies any kind of genre tag except our favourite one: 'damn good music'.

Japanese producer 'Birdcage' supplies the remix here; and it really is stunner. Simple emotive chords, scratchy percussion & wonderful use of the vocal makes this version ooze quality with every twist and turn. This is the first I've heard of 'Birdcage', and it's immediately inspired me to hunt down more of his work.

As the label notes so eloquently say: "If this single is the soundtrack to never seeing the sun then lots of people could be easily persuaded into signing up for this suspended in time experiment."

'Untitled 26' is released on all major download stores on November 5th.

Preview: pothOles - Hooni (Oh! Records Stockholm)

Fresh from his recent release on Roberto Rodriguez's 'Seranades' label, talented Finnish producer pothOles is back on Oh! Records with a pair of brand new tracks.

We've been fans of the mysterious Finn since day one, so it's fantastic to hear his sound developing in leaps and bounds. Title track 'Hooni' is a typically restrained, chilled slice of Suomi deep house, while 'Hatari' introduces a more insistent bassline and hypnotic groove.

With rumours of his own label launching soon, as well as tales of him recently being voted Helsinki's second sexiest man, one thing is for sure: watch out for pothOles!

The release is available now, exclusively on Beatport. Grab it HERE

Review: Sumsuch - Simpatico (Colour and Pitch)

In a post major world, labels are launched so often that there's probably a profitable business out there for anyone with the ability to think up arresting and attractive names for them. On the other hand you *could* always make your label stand out from the ever-growing crowd by releasing stunning and innovative music. 

And luckily for us, that's what producer/DJ and now (once again) label owner Sumsuch has chosen to do.

"Simpatico" the debut release on his Colour and Pitch label (great name btw) is a frankly brilliant collaboration with Philadelphia vocalist Will Brock that moves the soul as well as it moves the feet - and trust me, this one is going to be a dancefloor filling stalwart in the days and months to come.... I've only heard the original mix so far, but tbh I'd be as happy as a pig on one of Brighton's rubbish strewn streets if it was the only mix that existed. Not least because it would lift me out of the mire and into the sunlight. Uplifting deep house? You'd better believe it. And you'd better buy it too...

'Simpatico' is out now, exclusively on Beatport. Grab your copy HERE

Preview: Ludowick - Get It Off EP (22 Digit Records)

This stunning package features three chunky, moody, atmospheric house tracks from Barcelona stalwart, Ludowick. If, like us, you shudder at the very thought of a Marvin Gaye vocal in house music these days, you might be very pleasantly surprised by the title track 'Let's Get It Off'. Somehow Ludowick has managed to sample of one of Marvin's best known tracks, intelligently and with originality, without in any way cheapening the mood. Dark, brooding and intensely rhythmic, this is sure to work on the floor.

Manchester based production powerhouse Moodymanc supplies a remix so uplifting that it borders on the euphoric, whilst still managing to remain both credible and deep. As the label notes say: Moodymanc's music "makes you stick your hands in the air and carefully stroke your beard at the same time."

Of the other two original tracks, 'Signs From Heaven' is the clear standout. With clear influences from breakbeat and another cheeky vocal sample (this time from Seal), this is another brilliantly evocative track.

The EP is released on 20th May 2013. Until then, you can listen to a preview here:

Preview: Lonely Boy - Love Wanted (Dance:Revolt Recordings)

Dance:Revolt impressed us hugely last summer with their debut release from label boss Atnarko. Flash forward to April 8th 2013, and they're back with their second offering. We are delighted to announce that our minds have once again been truly blown by the music contained here. Quality over quantity is clearly going to be the watchword for this label, and with only two releases in the bag, it's already paying off.

The original track is a lovingly produced, retro-tinged, smooth and sultry number, with an irresistibly plaintive vocal hook.

From even the most cursory first listen, it's obvious that each remix has been carefully chosen by the label, making this one of the most balanced musical packages we've received in a very long time. There's truly a version for every occasion here, and all the artists have clearly been inspired to do their best work.

Standouts for us are the fragile and beautiful yet powerful Space Coast remix, as well as the driving yet deep Subtron version.

Love Wanted is released on April 8th - we suggest you go and buy it!

In the meantime, you can grab a sneak preview here:

Label and Artist Links:
www.dance-revolt.com
www.facebook.com/lonelyboymusic

Preview: Shade - All I Need to Know (RvS)

A brand new treat, coming soon on Reverberations' newly- rebranded incarnation, RvS. No frills here, just a proper emotive slice of deep house goodness from Barcelona- based producer Shade. The track is getting a well deserved vinyl release, alongside a trio of excellent remixes from Asadinho, Joshua Iz & Silver Team. The Joshua Iz mix is particularly outstanding to our ears, full of energy and invention. Get a preview of the release below. and be sure to grab this record as soon as it drops!

Formats / release dates:
Vinyl             18/02/2013
Digital             18/03/2013

RvS002 - Shade - All I Need To Know (inc. remixes by Asadinho / Jek K & Alex Murak / Joshua Iz) by RvS Music

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: