Confidently sitting in the ‘this is a great record’ position Badam Music’s debut release is right in so many ways. Retrospective yet resolutely futuristic, musical yet tough and demanding, Roger almost feels like a lost Jazz-Funk classic, albeit with a very strange twist of course. Check the uplifting, smoky chords employed by the original accompanied by the Stevie Wonder inspired improvisations, or Huxley’s absolute killer remix which beefs it all up while retaining that rocksteady sense of bliss.
Love this. The capitals’ Alexis Raphael captures the invigorating sounds and feel of contemporary House music perfectly with this inspired production. Tempered by strident beats and deliciously dark sounding synths the arrangement sets you up for its fall into bassline nirvana, with a timely nod to early nineties vocal samples’ and a twist of infectious Disco toms into the bargain. Hot Natured then proceed to deepen the bass and add edgy attitude to their sublimely powerful remix, as second track I Know feels almost church-like in comparison: with heavenly Organ cumulating in a succession of hypnotic handclaps and cheeky selection of yet more classic vocal lines… 9
Cesar Coronado’s debut for the relocated Flumo label sees splashing 909 hats play off against nagging vocal snippets and cool fuzzy chords. Meanwhile, the impressive Atapy Remix gets funky with its Bass while playing pounding synthetic drums as it evolves into a creative collection of electronic notes and pads. However, it’s down to Ed Maddams Soul Dub to transform the mood of it all by breaking up the beats and adding excellent Jazzy tones to a particularly stinking sequence of events. Hats off, this is good. The Way I Feel About You replays another classic vocal from the 90’s over a suitably fashionable b-line to compliment it all stylishly. 8
Have to say I made the mistake of underestimating this when I first heard it. But, much to my delight it’s all you could hope for and more from Parisian Joss Moog, whose distinctive selection of influences hits all the right buttons. Slinky bass and infectiously funky percussion effortlessly work their way into your consciousness as Motown inspired voices and moody chords do all the rest. That Old Feeling:Â simple and yet totally effective. As indeed is, Xtra Bass which again plays a collection of beats and breaks as smooth dancefloor filler. The much perkier, That’s What UR follows by adding Disco flavour and the 70’s party-time inflections of Blue Paradise complete. 8
You will be well familiar with Manuel Tur reading Magazine Sixty so it’s a definite pleasure to be introducing you to his new, and second, album for Freerange. Both label and artist espouse certain qualities when it comes to the music they release and thought-provoking tracks such as new single, High Needs Low are a perfect case in point. From heavy-duty deepness to more spacious atmospheres the curiously titled album (via Salvador Dali) never fails but to thrill you with its exploration of ideas about sound and their possibilities. That may sound a touch pretentious but on songs like, Maybe Next Lifetime featuring BlakKat you can get the general idea. The cinematic collages continue through the uncertain repetition of, Mirrors and on the eerily perfect, Just Love with Elina Monova – whose probing use of vocals lifts the music above and beyond. 8
Various Artists Baker Street 5th Anniversary Baker Street Recordings
Superlative Leeds based label Baker Street celebrates its five years in existence with this collection of choice moments from its past, complimented by a selection of new remixes pointing towards the future. Split over two CD’s, with the initial featuring the new versions, let’s start with the second as it opens with Matthias Vogt’s killer remix Paul Hardy’s Swirl – which just so happens to be a favourite from last year. All the labels stalwarts are present here from Moodymanc to Jay Shepheard and Baker Street’s distinctive twist on American House music plays out fluently flitting between moods and instrumentation. The remix CD then comes care off the likes of Murray Richardson, Martijn and also includes the spectacular Lo Tech Remix of Lie To Me, so you know what quality to expect. 8
Opening with the breezy, Jazz Cafe the album develops its theme with titles like the succinctly funky standout cut, Disco On The Dancefloor and cruises through everything from deeper to techy territory with ease. Although, it’s not always as straight forward as that may sound due to the colourful use of styles which are playfully incorporated into the mix: a hint of Jazz here, a touch of Ska there. But that’s precisely what makes Basement Story quite so enjoyable. The album also includes a couple of bonus remixes and ends on the down-tempo orchestration of, The Black Cat Gismo for the sheer hell of it. 7
Max Chapman does Kaluki proud with this EP. Rhythm Stick’s bold bassline provides the reason that made you fall in love with House Music in the first place. Plus with its creative combination of smart drum programming, ear pleasing sounds and wish you’d thought of it arrangement this proves hard not to love. Escape again adds together notable sounds with fresh feeling perspective, with Another Time and a Julien Sandre collaboration finishing with yet more addictive bass, perilous synths and haunting voices. 9
I:Cube ‘Lucifer En Discothèque EP’ Versatile Records
Transpiration sounds like a Todd Terry stab on acid. And as tempting as that may, or may not sound, what’s truly exciting about I:Cube’s shimmering production is that it makes you want to jump up and down in no particular order. Coupled with big Disco hi-hats and edgy electronics this has to be heard to be believed! Jah Menta then delivers a scratchy soundtrack to tempt you further into mysticism, while the title track is an instant rush of new-wave disco that is purely party. Forward thinking music and a perfect teaser of what’s in store from the forthcoming album, Megamix. 8
Matthias Vogt ‘Under The Radar EP’ Lazy Days Recordings
Everything begins with a C as this Chicago inspired EP kicks off with the effortlessly cool, C-Scat. Built around jazzy vocal snippets and one mother of a bassline this hits the spot nicely. Under The Radar, follows with deeper chords and toms producing tasteful moods, as The Flow version of the same proceeds to explore the atmosphere further with poignant piano and classic techno percussion. And if all of that wasn’t enough the Pad-A-Pella does just what you would expect with funkier beats and even more space and time. 8
Le Vinyl ‘Time For Change’ Deep Edition Recordings
It isn’t all just about the drum and the bass as this imaginative production shares frequently excitable rhythms and effervescent chords with you, alongside a spoken sample that feels warmly familiar – or maybe not. Picking up the pace the ‘Chris Minus a bit Deep Fried Remix’ wobbles the bassline over snappy snares and disco attitude to provide a notable alternative. 8
Michal Schwa and Nick West wear the confidence of their convictions proudly on their respective sleeves as this two CD (vinyl and digital) set has the audacity to be released alongside the accompanying remixes on their own label. Which in this case come from the likes of The Timewriter, Jef K & Gwen Maze, Soul Minority. The original music is packed with energy and comes with a cool European edge that only adds to the charm, as both vocals and dubs vi equally for your attention. The counterparts then rework the lot. At times this leans towards the dancefloor – witness First Kontakt – while at others has ambience in mind such as on the captivating, Illusions. Beats range from straight-up House to the more twisted variety while funky instrumentation and the smart use of effects always keep you plugged into the loop. 7
and last but not least is this forthcoming single (no release date yet) from Wagon Cookin’. excellent video – especially if you missed the eighties (lucky you!)
Confidently sitting in the ‘this is a great record’ position Badam Music’s debut release is right in so many ways. Retrospective yet resolutely futuristic, musical yet tough and demanding, Roger almost feels like a lost Jazz-Funk classic, albeit with a very strange twist of course. Check the uplifting, smoky chords employed by the original accompanied by the Stevie Wonder inspired improvisations, or Huxley’s absolute killer remix which beefs it all up while retaining that rocksteady sense of bliss.
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