Apnoea Q&A

Welcome to Magazine Sixty, Apnoea. Your new single was in part inspired by Frankie Valli’s ‘I Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’. What is the story behind how you first encountered the words – and which version of the song did you hear?

The lyrics of ‘I Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ were, and still are a big inspiration for many international musicians. Due to the romantic meaning, it’s a great fit to our style and the type of beats we produce. On the other hand we wanted to try something new with vocoder effects on computer voices, which gives these words a mystic and unusual vibe. On top of that we tried to match the feeling of the original song with our live recorded percussion, instruments and effects, which you can listen to in our ‘Deep Dive Edit’ – the original and first mix we made. Of course we know several songs using the words, but we think that nothing beats the original version.

Talk us through how you produced the track which has a particularly wonderful sound. Are there any favourite pieces of hardware/ software you always like to use?

In our two studios we use 90% analog gear, like drum machines, synthesizer, external effects, outboard gear, sequencers, and of course our collection of microphones for live recordings. We both use Ableton Live 11 as our DAW, which controls all studio equipment. Our favourite hardware is a Moog Voyager, otomachines bim, bam & boom, Roland TR-909, Roland Jupiter-4 and many more. Software-wise we like to work most of the time with Fabfilter, Softube and Arturia plugins.

Do you have certain speakers you value most when producing? Do you have a regular pattern to working, day or night?

Oh yes! We both use Adam S3H monitors in our studios, which are amazing. The positive thing is, that if we meet each other, we do not need to reconfigure our ears. As a second pair of monitors we use the small Avantone Cubes. They help a lot in finding harsh frequencies and bad resonances. And we use some headphones and our hifi system in our cars as a reference too. We do not have a pattern, because of our jobs and family. So we use all free time to do music in our studios.

How does the collaborative process work between you as you create music?

As we both have our own studios, which are about 500 km from each other, we usually work alone in our caves. But we regularly speak by phone or Facetime, and exchange projects, sounds, recordings and ideas via our Dropbox. So in the end we remix each other, send song feedback back and forth – we love that way to create new music! Sometimes we meet at a studio for a week or two to dive more into sound design and starting bigger projects together.

As DJ producers your collective careers have spanned decades. What has remained inspiring about club culture? Has the rise and predominance of festival culture been an entirely good thing?

Good question… Of course is clubbing for us is a big part of our lives and is important for our creative process. But the electronic music business isn’t that cool, exclusive, innovative and outstanding anymore, as it was decades before. That’s a pity. Nowadays it’s so easy to create, finalise and release new tracks, build up new labels and start a DJ career. This means, that there are so many new faces and songs every day, so that it is much harder to find and collect good music. Second thing is that this culture is becoming more and more commercial. We have to deal with it – and that’s why we try to create and produce cool, outstanding and timeless music.

How do see the future for recording artists in terms of generating music from streaming etc?

We already had several changes in the music industry and music business: vinyl – cd – mp3 – now: streaming. We do not want to criticise this modern way of spreading and presenting new music. It’s part of our life as a musician. Of course it leads to less income from royalties, but on the other hand it is a nice marketing tool for us. Sometimes people from several countries write messages to us, that they’ve found our music in a Spotify playlist or Apple Music recommendation. That was absolutely not possible in the vinyl and CD era.

Outside of Dance Music who inspires you most in terms of artists, writers, thinkers, cinema etc?

We like to listen to Massive Attack, Depeche Mode, Yello, David Bowie. And we love to listen to the words of our friend and poetry slam mastermind Ursula Rucker.

And finally. What are your hopes for 2023?

No war, no political incorrectness anymore, no unusual viruses floating around – and more acceptance to underground music culture.

Buy Apnoea – I Can’t Take My Eyes Off You/ Empty Streets – Stripped Down                   https://www.beatport.com/release/i-cant-take-my-eyes-off-you/3845029
https://www.instagram.com/apnoea_ofc/
https://www.strippeddown.net

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Nolan & Mr. V – It’s A Trap – Mobilee

The underlying tension suggested by the title, It’s A Trap is carried throughout this distinct collaboration. And if music of this calibre is what comes out of the creative lockdown then I’m all for it. As you would expect from Nolan the grooves are taught, fizzing with excitement and suggestion, while Mr. V’s captivating voice says all there is to say. Remixes occur from SIS and from Re:You both delivering invigorating interpretations that do the original version justice in these challenging times. The former expands the breath and light generated via chiming motifs and contemplative breakdowns, the later contrasting with an addictive nervous energy from edgy keys.

Release: April 17

listen/ buy https://www.beatport.com/release/its-a-trap/2907427

https://www.facebook.com/mobilee

https://www.facebook.com/DJ.NolanUK

https://www.facebook.com/solechannelMrV

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Squire – Common Sense – mobilee records

One of the most sublime things about music as an art-form is the way it morphs and transforms itself of its own volition. The mind of the artist is the driving force in all this proceeding to challenge in creative ways, while transporting sound into the future. Squire AKA ex-Formula 1 driver Jaime Alguersuari translates those sorts of ideas into Common Sense, which not only feels resonantly tantalising but also tastefully sublime, coming soulfully charged via Graham Baxter’s breathy vocal adding the human touch. Peacock Ritual, then dances around a series of electrical pulses, sensing danger, over and across an array of punctuating beats to complete this excellent release.

buy https://mobilee.lnk.to/CommonSense

https://www.facebook.com/SQUIRE.SPAIN
https://www.instagram.com/squire_inlove

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErEsV_rwrJk

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Magdalena – Morphosfalter – Leena Music

Scorching release from Magdalena who also runs the annual EGO AIR event in Hamburg. But back to the music which delivers high on atmosphere while darkly sketching out intense, teasing moods via a web of engaging synth lines and probing low-end theory on the title track, Morphosfalter. Next, Monarchfalter undulates in a different direction with chiming keys punctuating a rush of fizzy electronics, again expansive by nature. Leaving third number, Schillerfalter to satisfy the quest further care off fiery snares and waves of robust sound.

Release: August 4
https://www.beatport.com/release/morphosfalter/2074165
https://www.facebook.com/magdalena.diynamic
http://www.mobilee-records.de

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Dean Demanuele (Dazed & Confused Records) Q&A

Hello and welcome to magazine Sixty Dean. Your label: Dazed & Confused is celebrating four years in existence. How would you describe the highs and lows of running a label in today’s environment?

Hi Greg, thanks for the opportunity, yes Dazed & Confused Records is now celebrating 4 years of existence, exactly on the 29th April were we will have our own label party in Malta. I started the label back when I was living in Berlin and the idea was to have an output for my music and music from artist that I liked, which didn’t have any labelling and just had great ideas to put out. From then on it just kept developing into having an office and a team in Malta, showcasing our artists through events and now pressing vinyl for the first time, this will be for the Summer Blue release. I feel very lucky to have gotten so far.

Link to presale of vinyl: https://www.diggersfactory.com/vinyl/703/dean-demanuele-summer-blue

Congratulations also on your great new release for Tenampa Recordings: Tabula Rasa EP. Can you talk us through how you produced one of the tracks from the EP, including any favourite pieces of software/ hardware that you like to use?

Thank you for the compliment and also for having the premier. The Ep was done through a special moment in my life, it was the moment when i decided to go back home to Malta, hence Tabula Rasa which amongst many meanings it also means a clean slate. Along these years I have been traveling quite a lot so it was important for me to have a mobile studio.
Since some years now I have been using the Maschine for my beats, it has made my life much easier. Some months ago I also got a Roland JD Xi synth which I used for my main synth sounds. I really love the raw sound it produces.

https://soundcloud.com/tenampa-recordings/sets/dean-demanuele

What is the electronic music culture like on Malta? Any favourite bars/ clubs you would recommend?

The scene in Malta is a small but lively one, I call Malta a holiday Island so parties and good life are a big part of our culture. The electronic scene is getting more professional and varied by time and people are getting into the music culture day by day. As a holiday island there are a lot of tourists that come by and that helps influence the scene a lot.
At the moment we are running a monthly event at Ryan’s pub which has been a landmark for music enthusiasts. There are a lot of cool places to go actually!

Tell us about your working relationship with Lee Van Dowski and which tracks produced together are you most proud of?

Working with Lee was very stimulating and a pleasure as a friend and a colleague, we spent over 2 years working in the studio together, day in day out. We both learned from our strengths and combined them to get the best possible outcome. We had many highlights but the ones I’m proud of are the mobilee releases, it was a very big achievement for me personally.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fwc0VD0RmhE

What are your main influences both within and outside of electronic music?

I like to live a normal life as much as possible, so my influences are coming from everyday sounds and situations. As time passes i’m getting more and more selective of my music and releasing music which mean something to me and transports me into a particular moment.
Recently I started doing Dj sets, as of before I was just doing live shows for years. I believe that this triggered something different in the way I think and produce, so I feel I’m constantly evolving.

Where are you looking forward to playing over the coming months? And tell us about your plans for the rest of 2017?

Over the coming months I’m really excited to play in a festival in Brno (CZ) called Spilberk Open Air. We will be having Hosh a special guest along the team. Apart from this I’m also excited to play in Berlin at Kosmonaut on the 5th August along the Inmates team and another one in Malta alongside my old friends Pig&Dan.

2017 has already offered me and a lot and I really look forward to keep on developing both the label and plans and my personal career.

http://www.dazedandconfused.info

https://soundcloud.com/dean_demanuele/dean-demanuele-illusions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueetFbM1cGU&index=1&list=PL3_DxaGa39VC-CQu8nYr9JHGjvYw6nTrs

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Reviews: 174

Various Artists
Collaborations 1
Unlock Recordings

Igniting their vinyl-only series of releases is this first of three collaborative productions – hence the title. What’s great here are the range of sounds and styles escaping the usual cliques while offering up an exciting cocktail of ideas. Opening is Leonel Castillo ‘Vibraphonistix’ which sprinkles playful jazzy notation across a suitably cool bassline and shuffling drums all sure to excite the dance floor. Next in line is Jorge Savoretti & Paco Wegmann’s ‘Din Cartier’ which has undulating synths played out across a succession of splashing rhythms, while Fosky’s contrasting ‘Benefits’ gets more rewarding with a thought-provoking array of deeper pads and atmospheres. Finally, Franco Cinelli’s unfussy ‘Mind Out’ sequences smouldering electronics alongside pounding beats to end part 1.

Vinyl Release: July 5
www.unlockrecordings.com
www.facebook.com/unlocke

https://soundcloud.com/unlockrecordings/sets/collaborations-1

HOTC081_artworkIgor Vicente & DkA
Haus Boo EP
Hot Creations

Enjoying yourselves at Paradise this season? Then no doubt you will have encountered either of these two numbers during the course of the night. Haus Boo, delivers fiery Chicago flavours direct to your soul care off infectious basslines and sassy drums galore. While the deeper, Shady fuses more in the way of intense low-end theory together with soaring synth lines plus edgy vocal touches for heightened effect.

Release: July 1
facebook.com/IgorVicenteOfficial
@igor-vicente
facebook.com/DkAprod

Autotune
She
Leena

Erlin’s Adel and Jan-Eric aka Autotune proceed without due acre and attention to pulzarise your senses into submission via their rousing My Wife Mix of the title track, She. Offsetting its funkier bassline are sizzling drums and repeating, bruising stabs but what perhaps sets this up to ensure your attention is grabbed is its ‘tell-it-like-it-is’ vocal. The Original version feels breezier in comparison with almost jazzy notation colouring the soundscape. The moodier, uncomplicated rhythms of Circles then bounce around in engaging fashion as the equally compelling Mind Judgement feat. Dirty Paul digs deep with dark voices amid throbbing grooves.

Release: July 1
http://facebook.com/mobilee
http://www.facebook.com/Autotune-58070306253

https://soundcloud.com/autotune/sets/autotune-she-ep-leena-out-01

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reviews:90

Gecko Beach Club Formentera: Volume Two
Compiled and mixed by Chris Coco and Pete Gooding
Seamless Recordings

Gecko Beach VOL Two High resI’m disappointed I didn’t catch that boat to Formentera now. Still, that was years ago and listening to Chris Coco’s super easy blend makes the thought of happy day come one step closer. And what better way to celebrate than with a statement of intent as Seu Jorge & Almaz’s version of Everybody Loves the Sunshine feels very suitably breezy. This is of course a first rate selection that seems particularly telling in the June sunshine. At this stage I was going to talk you through the standout tracks but there’s really little point, as they all standout. However the best thing I can recommend is that you buy a copy and switch it on in the sunshine, beside water and drift away…

The second CD is mixed by Pete Gooding and picks up the pace with a more House orientated selection that again starts sublimely with his self-penned opening track, Malibu. The sunshine vibes continue with further of his own compositions alongside those from M.A.N.D.Y. while ending on notably Waifs & Strays electronically charged Remedy. Happy days.

release: July 15

https://www.facebook.com/DJChrisCoco?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/petegoodingofficial?fref=ts

www.facebook.com/seamlessrecordings

www.geckobeachclub.com

 

mobilee113Ranacat
Love Is Super Food
Mobilee Records

Argentinean born DJ/Producer, Pablo Ranacat’s first EP for the label is simply spellbinding. Feeling and sounding distinctively unique this inspired collection of notes sees deep, atmospheric keys strung out across soaring string lines and funky percussion while tense voices colour the atmosphere on In Your Face, producing a touch of class. Next, the title track itself adds in a sense of melody via punchy piano and cascading synths, while The Real Milton Flow gets friskier with bouncing chords and invigorating vocal edits. Leaving final track Urself To Me to get tougher with yet more vocal snippets vying for your attention in amongst rich, deep chords and creative percussion.

release: June 10

https://www.facebook.com/ranacat?fref=ts

http://www.mobilee-records.de

https://soundcloud.com/ranacat/mobilee-113-ranacat-love-is

 

labels_2diy4_09_path.inddRobosonic & Adana Twins
La Fique EP
2DIY4

Dropping right at the perfect moment is this latest production from Robosonic & Adana Twins. Let’s cut straight to the chase, La Fique is so funky it hurts, not least of all because this classic funky disco sample is so refreshingly familiar, but also just because it’s so f***king good! Not a lot goes on apart from some smooth filtering and the odd vocal addition but then this is so infectious it doesn’t matter. Barracuda again plays a classic eighties moment though this time over low-slung beats to sound seasonal and summer. Smiling faces.

release: June 24

Robosonic: www.robosonic.cc/

Adana Twins: www.adanatwins.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdHWsYdB3K8

 

Nirosta Steel
Some Say
Wilde Calm Records

some saySteven Hall’s (Arthur Russell produced) solo project from 1985 gets revisited and updated for 2013. But to only add to the intriguing history lesson, legendary disco producer Bob Blank recorded and engineered the project, which has only recently been unearthed. Originally intended to come out on Rough Trade this just shy of three minutes track has Steven’s aka Nirosta Steel sassy vocal build the tension just before the tempo suddenly changes to challenge your preconceptions. The labels’ own Pocketknife version then expands the track letting the funky bass led groove breath over punctuating beats while likewise changing the rhythm on the outro.

release: 21 June

“Edition of 500 copies
7″ black vinyl
Full-colour insert with liner notes by Bob Blank
Hand-stamped and numbered with love”

http://www.wildecalm.com

https://soundcloud.com/wilde-calm-records/sets/nirosta-steel-some-say/


 

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reviews:85

Tone of Arc - The Time was Right packshotTone of Arc
The Time Was Right
No.19 Music

So excited to get to review Derrick Boyd and Zoe Presnick’s Tone of Arc debut album. The Time Was Right captures everything I love about music that sits just outside that very loose term of soulful dance music, although of course this packs more emotion than a lot of that very same cliché. With song titles like Surrender, Lost In The Machine, and Hardly Standing setting the scene this plays out like life’s alternative with a smouldering, funky drive that would make Bowie blush with envy on the irresistible Love Kissed! Sure, you can hear the influences loud and proud but it makes for sparkling refreshment not to hear the early 90’s replayed over and over again, with the intriguing vocals referencing the lost era of new-wave. All that and their superlative cover of ‘Goodbye Horses’ go to vary the light and shade of the album while tempos live at varied speeds giving you that rush of excitement Tone of Arc do so very well.

release: May 13

https://www.facebook.com/pages/TONE-of-ARC/206988806053907

https://www.facebook.com/no19music

https://soundcloud.com/no19music/tone-of-arc-the-time-was-right

 

Tapesh & Maximiljan
Feelings
Leena Music

Slightly late in reviewing this but none the less a first rate release from the Dusseldorf duo sees the excellent All The Time at the top of the list with its infectious, brooding atmospheres and darkly sophisticated arrangement sizzling with infectious energy. Given the human touch via yearning spoken vocals this has to be one of my favourite releases from the label so far. Feelings, follows with more of a sense of urgency coupled with sleazier bass. Leaving, Get It On to deliver more of that Acid attitude as yet another excellent production sparks your imagination with fiery electronic sounds and rhythms.

http://www.beatport.com/release/feelings/1059737

https://www.facebook.com/tapesh.official

https://www.facebook.com/maximiljan.arndt?fref=ts

http://www.mobilee-records.de/

https://soundcloud.com/djtapesh/t-m-feelings-snippet-mp3

 

InnerCityRecords_LogoVarious Artists
InnerCity Records Vol 1
InnerCity Records

InnerCity Records is the brand new Manchester based label from Mark Horsfall and Danny Stott and their first volume points the way forward to good times ahead. Music from the likes of Giom’s impressive bass-bizzy Exhausted and from Dale Howard’s typically pulsating Go Deeper indicates what lies in store in terms of fresh thinking House Music that isn’t afraid to look forward. The remaining artists included are: Leigh D Oliver, Roland Nights, Gutto Serta and finally Casey Lee Jones whose invigorating Feel It ends this most promising package. Listen below…

release: May 6

https://www.facebook.com/innercityrecs

https://soundcloud.com/innercityrecords/sets/inner-city-records

 

AL011IGThe Black 80s
Give Me Something
Air London

The Black 80s aka Hollis P Monroe & Overnite deliver a strikingly original piece of music with their latest for Air London. Not least of all because Give Me Something features a soul infused vocal that sits somewhere between light and shade, although with a haunting edge that will you find yourself mesmerised by. The music does a similar thing with drum machine beats and atmospheric electronics feeling distinctive and other worldly. Meanwhile, the Hollis P Monroe Mix replays the elements with a pacier tempo and further spaced out sounds to compliment the original.

Release: June 5

https://www.facebook.com/hollispmonroemusically

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Overnite/307543039338386

http://www.airlondonmusic.com/

https://soundcloud.com/airlondon/a1-give-me-something-overnite

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reviews:54

HNQO
Point Of View
Hot Creations

Brazil’s Henrique Oliveira aka HNQO gets it just right with this succession of seductive bass notes and sassy female vocals, which envelop you in funky syncopation and provocative dancefloor arrangements. Creatively evolving its theme Point Of View expands uncomplicated possibilities into something extremely rewarding while never losing its cool. Pain n Love follows featuring more hot voice, this time from a blissfully stereophonic sounding Effluence, feeling that bit tougher – though no less funky – with impressive vocal editing combing with sumptuous sounds to again highlight the labels’ prowess in any language.

release: July 16

http://soundcloud.com/hnqo/hnqo-po

http://www.hotnatured.co.uk

 

Francesca Lombardo
Changes EP
Crosstown Rebels

And so the story continues with this excellent production care of new comer Francesca Lombardo whose sense of timing has delivered the perfectly pitched production for the summer.  Comprising of four tracks with the opening The Change pitching twisted vocals against 80’s styled bass lines, classic House chords and beats, while Is It True explores more in the way of ambient textures and features Francesca’s own striking vocals. Old School Anna is the more Techno sounding of the four with more Detroit bass firing off against punchy beats, leaving the stunning Sofiel to complete the picture with its radical clash of influences and imaginative programming.

release: July 16

http://soundcloud.com/francesca-lombardo

http://www.crosstownrebels.com

 
Five Years Of Diynamic
Diynamic music

Solomun’s five year milestone is celebrated thoughtfully via this charity based album that sees both the labels back catalogue getting remixed plus the additional bonus of new music. To state the obvious first is the impressively diverse nature of the imprint that flits between styles of House and Techno, and a whole lot more in between, with calculated yet consummate ease. The second being just how soulfully satisfying the music is and the way it always feels fresh and invigorating, while acknowledging  its past respectively. Neatly spread across two cd’s the compilation starts with UNER pres. Fools ‘Positive’ and then DJ Phono ‘New Year Eve’ which is sublime listening for sure, but not to rest easy the sounds also progress through the likes of Hunter/ Game, David August, Stimming and Solomun, whose Cloud Dancer reaches for the stars and ends up in a dancefloor frenzy occupying its own space and time.

release: July 16

http://http//www.diynamic.com

 

Erik Eriksson
Love Cannot
Freerange

Love Cannot, immediately captures you with its melancholic vocal sample and warm selection of deep atmospherics, which are deceptively quick and tough when played louder. The Mr Beatnik Dub of the same blends sometime Chicago bass with contemporary production values for a refreshing change on this completely enticing version. Second track, Let Them Know moves towards Detroit with moody combinations of electronics over motor-city rhythms, with the Original mix available ‘digital only’ which, just like the title track, blends light and shade together notably.

release: July 16

http://www.freerangerecords.co.uk

 

Rodion & Mammarella
Appennini EP
Slow Motion Records

Excellent spaced-out Disco action from Italy’s Slow Motion imprint sees sizzling syncopation still very much in fashion with a nod to the early eighties cosmic sound. Crazy electronics combine with hissing hi-hats and robotic voices to evoke not only the past but good times ahead on the superb sounding: Escape From Kyoto. The Alien Alien Dub proceeds by re-tweaking the elements into yet more intensity.  Leaving, Majella to authenticate it all with its shimmering kaleidoscope of Euro-Disco sounds, which sound simply heavenly.

release: July 19

http://soundcloud.com/slow-motion-records/sets/rodion-mammarella-appennini-ep/s-HVAHU

http://www.slowmotionmusic.it/

 

Zombie Zombie
Rocket Number 9
Versatile Records

Versatile continue to surpass themselves with this latest release from Zombie Zombie who perhaps not unsurprisingly have chosen this Sun Ra track to cover. Things kick off with the monstrous Gesaffelstein remix which paces itself with edgy electro beats and then hits you vocally along with a somewhat huge array of stabs . A suitably off-world sounding A Capella follows, as does Joakim’s Extended 808 mix which pushes the dimensions still further with sci-fi synths and twisted Saxophone – at least I think that’s what they are. The Original version finishes a typically distinctive release, which may not hit the dizzying Jazz heights of Sun Ra but does none-the-less sound mind-altering in 2012.

release: July 16

http://versatilerecords.com/release/zombie-zombie-rocket-number-9-ep-incl-gesaffelstein-joakim-remixes/

http://soundcloud.com/versatile-records/

http://zombie-zombie.believeband.com/

 

Jona
Masterplan
Mobilee Records

Jona’s excellent three track combination begins by deconstructing Acid and rebuilding it as the Masteplan.  Albeit in a funky yet suspenseful way, which isn’t so much about one dimensional tones as multi-layered invigorating slices of instrumentation that tease your expectations. Out Of Sight, begins traditionally with a Latin cowbell but soon cleverly detunes itself into something much more spectacular, couple that with what is ultimately a killer bassline plus ultra-sharp drum programming, and this is in a class all of its own. Superstition ends with yet more in the way of dramatic electronic-funkiness expanding the theme even further…

release: July 9

http://www.junodownload.com/products/master-plan/1997409-02/

http://www.mobilee-records.de/releases/jona-master-plan-leena024

 

Saint Etienne Present Songs For The Lyons Cornerhouse
Cherry Red Records

On what could possibly turn out to be one of the wettest days this summer Bob Stanley’s compilation of post-war, pre-rock nuggets seems all the more appealing. After all, who said romance was dead. While the melodies swoon and the rhythms sway this pays homage to a bygone era of ‘Lyons Corner House’ cafes, at least as they may have sounded in the mind of Mr Stanley. If you like melodrama then look no further no Frankie Laine whose Blowing Wind says it all, though plenty more of that comes from the likes of people you probably never heard of – but when did that ever matter. Great version of Theme From The Threepenny Opera from Billy Vaughan and with Peggy Lee’s irresistible Johnny Guitar this all makes for strangely exciting listening in that old fashioned way…accompanied by historical sleeve notes by the man himself.

http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=3643

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Lyons_and_Co.

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reviews:50

Konrad Black & Art Department
Graveyard Tan
No.19 Music

Things do indeed only get better as this ridiculously good release from one of the world’s hottest labels No.19 testifies. Following quickly on from Tone Of Arc’s excellent single comes this from Konrad Black (Wagonrepair) and No.19’s very own Jonny White who along with Kenny Glasgow form Art Department. Graveyard Tan, as you might suspect from the title plays with hauntingly deep tones and simmering moody tensions that are at once deliciously intense and beautifully epic. Played over crisp hi-hats the expansive bass broods its way into your consciousness with the simple intonation of the word Baby all that needs saying. Version Two replays those very elements but either way it doesn’t get a lot better than this.

release: June 4 (vinyl)/ June 18 (digital)

http://soundcloud.com/no19music/konrad-black-art-department-1
http://www.wagonrepair.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/artdepartmentmusic
http://www.no19music.com/

 

Behling & Simpson ft. James Fox
EP2
Futureboogie Recordings

It can’t just be about the sunshine but every time I hear something new from Futureboogie smiles appear. You’ve got to admire the sheer audacity of the low tempo which always feels thrilling and of course deeply funky. This is no exception as the apt Work That Body stretches out uplifting chords over crunchy percussion and a vocal sample that weaves its way into your brain. The second track to feature James Fox is Tangled and if anything feels more expansive with its huge bassline and nagging synths complimented by oriental-esque chimes. AAW picks up the pace with more loose percussion and cool piano, while Good Thang feels that bit moodier, though equally effective, with more infectious rhythms and  hot production values.

Release: May 28

http://soundcloud.com/behlingsimpson/behling-simpson-ft-james-fox
http://soundcloud.com/james-fox
http://www.futureboogie.com/

 

Huxley & Sam Russo
Jamma’s Basement EP
Leftroom Limited

Love the combination of daring styles on this latest from Huxley & Sam Russo whose stars are clearly in ascendance. Opening with off-kilter keys the continuing sense of being warped is offset by crisp percussion, familiar delayed vocals, and a dancehall styled bass which you can’t help but move too. This inventive production simply shines. As does the curiously titled William’s Trainers which follows with more sizzling hi-hats and classic House sensibilities adding reason to the twisted vocal edit.

release:May 26

http://www.leftroom.com/

 

Re. You
Mind Your Head
Mobilee Records

Sound advice from Mobilee whose 93rd release once again reminds you just how vital the label always proves to be. The title track featuring Daniel Wilde begins with deliciously funky toms and then works its way into frenzied arpeggios by way of space aged vocal fx and a taut rhythm section. Next, Junction plays with heavier tribal toms and further haunting voices, this time over tech stabs which the louder they get the better they feel.

Release: May 21
http://www.beatport.com/#/release/mind-your-head/914487
http://www.mobilee-records.de/

 

PopSled & Magit Cacoon
Higher Point EP
Be As One

Release 35 sees the label on perfect form with one of their strongest to date. Kicked off by a classic House Music (all night long) bassline sparse percussion then invites you to dance alongside pounding beats and Take Me Higher vocals which, in this case, have survived the nineties unscathed. There’s something inescapably cool about how all of this sounds. The Argy Remix then sensibly retains the bass and adds early nineties Detroit styled organ to his suitably sparkling production. And speaking of the motor city, the legendary Rolando rounds it all off by displaying typical flair via excellent, yet unsettling, drum programming which makes the whole experience shine even more brightly.

release:  May 28
http://www.beasoneimprint.com/

  

Hunter/Game
Reckless Lady EP
Diynamic Music

More in the way of old music sounding new as Diynamic see Italian duo Hunter/ Game join up the dots between the eighties and now, while sounding vital and energised in the process. Cool synth lines combine with acid tweaks and Deep House bass to produce something instantly pleasing on opening track, Under. Boogie Music co-produced with FreakMe follows on to explore avenues of Electro-Funk bass and smoothly soulful vocals, as the title track goes down the classic Chicago route employing an infectious Reckless Lady vocal loop and melodic keys. Crazy Enough, finishes by building the tension superbly with staccato guitar and also takes its cue from the same influence pool, but as with all the music on the EP feels completely contemporary.

http://www.beatport.com/#release/reckless-lady-ep/911193
http://www.diynamic.com/
http://soundcloud.com/hunter-game

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