Real Tone Records

reviews:55

Mr G
State Of Flux
Rekids

Mr G’s second album for Rekids sees the renowned producer continue his trademark theme of smoking beats and funky attitude to supply yet another winning formula. What I love here is the way that the music embraces technology yet retains a distinctly soulful element – State Of Flux couldn’t be a more apt title. Take the first track G’s Riddem which perfectly sums it all up:  Thumping kick drums, heavy-duty bass, offset by treated timbale and emotive chords to produce a stunning, uplifting effect. The album then continues to fuse together a range of influences and styles, taking the best cues from House and Techno. From the brutal end of Pumped Up to the twisted Disco of Absurd Beatz No.4 this one journey that you won’t want to get off in a hurry.

release: July 23

http://www.mr-g.org.uk

http://www.rekids.com

http://www.piccadillyrecords.com/products/MrG-StateOfFluxLP-Rekids-84150.html

 

Items & Things
Variables
Items & Things

The first label compilation for Magda, Troy Pierce and Marc Houle’s Berlin-based label ‘Items & Things’ is fittingly called Variables. Variable in so far as the imprint champions cutting-edge electronic music that’s neither afraid to get deep and nasty, or even comparatively subtle such as on Miro Pajic’s infectious intro: Love Love Love. What follows next is a selection from the aforementioned and the likes of Jimmy Edgar, Tomas More and Andy Martin plus a few newer artists. There’s plenty in the way of hot syncopated Disco action to get into here too, all with Items & Things distinctive twist of course. Try Howard Watson’s, Keep Away and Nyma’s, Brain Crunch plus the beyond comprehension: In The Mirror for size. Satisfaction guaranteed.
release: July 13. Mixed CD version by Magda released July 29

http://www.itemsandthings.com/

http://soundcloud.com/itemsandthings

http://www.facebook.com/itemsandthings

 

dOP
Kisses
Circus Company

Your Feelin’ undoubtedly references synth-pop with its fizzy keyboard lines and restrained European melodies, but also counter balances it all with subtle contemporary pads and punchy beats. And just to drive the point home an Acapella follows so you can judge the vocal for yourself, although this proves to be something quietly addictive the more you hear it. Title track, Kisses sounds more like what you would expect with deeper, moodier sounds playing off against intriguing vocals, and this time comes in vocal and instrumental versions.

http://www.beatport.com/#/release/kisses/936670

http://www.circuscompany.fr/

http://soundcloud.com/dop-3

http://soundcloud.com/pillow-talk-1

 

Tuccillo
House 19 EP
Holic Trax

The second release from Holic Trax sees Tuccillo deliver the title track House 19 in a blaze of House flavoured Techno that seeks to capture the spirit of 1988, and quite frankly succeeds – smiling faces all round. Eves Sky is next and gets deeper with provocative drums and deliciously moody bass, while teasing you with haunting voices and a killer arrangement. PercussHolic then invites into you into a creative play on instrumentation with its excellent combinations of beats and fiery percussion. These tracks appear on ltd 10” vinyl while the digital release features the added bonus of Dubao, whose addictive electronic rhythms become uplifting in the most pleasing way.

release: July 23

Soundcloud preview – http://soundcloud.com/holic-1/ht-002-tuccillo-house-19-ep

http://holic-music.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tuccillo/116324391801231

 

Bara Bröst 
Kokolores
BBE

Benjamin Quint and Markus Schwarzbauer aka Bara Bröst deliver their second album for BBE and if you’re not already familiar with their unique sound then prepare yourself now. Quirky, lively and thoroughly excitable the music and words play with each other while seeking to let you in on the party. Having said that, this will either work for you or you may find it all not quite serious enough with titles such as Juicy Lady, My Mess and Tony Curtis (try the soundcloud link below). Despite the eager wordplay there are some fine \House and tech grooves which reveal themselves as on the instrumental Tiger Milk and as with everything else it all boils down to personal taste.

http://soundcloud.com/bara-brost/sets/kokolores-album

http://www.beatport.com/#release/kokolores/935044

http://www.barabrost.eu/

https://www.facebook.com/barabrostmusic

https://twitter.com/BaraBrost

 

Franck Roger & Mandel Turner
Through The Motions
Real Tone Records

You may recognise the beats from the eighties but if they’re fresh to you then you can relive the excitement generated for new. Through The Motions goes through anything but that with smooth vocals feeling soulfully refreshing in the summertime, as layers of keys build up the tension on yet another rewarding release from the label. An excellent Dub version pays compliment by stripping back the voice to highlight the cool bassline and hot House groove.

https://www.facebook.com/RealToneRecords

http://www.youtube.com/user/RealToneRecords

https://twitter.com/realtonerecords
 

Azari & III
Into the Night
Loose Lips

Next single to be lifted from their self titled album Into The Night is accompanied by a typically hot video along with a series of excellent remixes courtesy of Prince Language, CFCF, Nicolas Jaar, Renaissance Man and Seth Troxler, Masomenos & Jaw. All of which you could simply say speaks for itself. Like them or love them, you know this is good already from hearing the album.

http://soundcloud.com/purplepr/01-into-the-night

http://azariandiii.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AZARIANDIII

 

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reviews:36

Louie Fresco
‘So Good E.P’
No.19

Mexico’s Louie Fresco has not only produced one of the most tense intro’s so far this year (albeit only two minutes, nineteen seconds long) but also successfully spins Sylvester’s timely words of wisdom off a deliciously heavy-duty bassline with life-affirming electricity. If all that feels life a bit of a mouthful, then trust me by listening to the track – volume up. Plus with an added bonus, So Good also has a cowbell! Next is the Russ Yallop Remix which coolly builds up more profound feelings with insanely looped voices and undulating deep tones complimenting each other most compellingly. The curiously titled Owl Night finishes with yet more sinister bass notes and cut-up vocals designed to cause serious consternation, which it also does amply well. 9
 
http://soundcloud.com/no19music/louie-fresco-so-good

http://www.no19music.com/

 

Manuel Tur
‘Back To Me’
Freerange

On so to a more melodic note which seemingly samples something so beautifully familiar I can’t quite remember what it is. None the less Manuel Tur’s sublime production conjures up various sorts of emotion – all of them positive – as this Balearic infused delight sits perfectly on Freerange with temptingly breathy vocals and swirling pads all feeling gorgeous. The Jimpster Dub retraces the elements in typically deep style with a flurry of striking touches being suitably impressive. Next, Odsidian gets tougher and moodier with almost Rock drumming sounding big alongside acid tones and twisted vocals, while the Damiano Von Erckert remix adds a techno flavor to the equation. Watch out for his forthcoming album: Elephants Reflecting Swans sometime in late April. 9

release: 19 March 2012

http://soundcloud.com/manueltur

http://www.freerangerecords.co.uk/

 

Franck Roger & Terence: Terry
‘This Is Now’ E.P
Real Tone Records

The name which has, I think, appeared here more often than not is Franck Roger who along with Terence:Terry once again gets the thumbs up with this thoughtful Deep House production. The words to the opening Hustling Peoples do just that with its rumbling bassline and addictive synth lines adding extra sparkle to the seemingly moody vocal. The title track follows with organ bass and some poignant fx filling the spaces in-between, leaving the excellent Beaucoup La Fete to complete the release by frequenting the sounds of Chicago to Detroit yet all the while feeling fresh and original – not always an easy feat. 8

release: 15 February on Traxsource & Beatport

http://www.youtube.com/user/RealToneRecords

 

Sid Vaga
‘Brazuca’
Wonderwheel Recordings

What a way to finish! As Sid Vaga’s explosive workout in Latin catches all the rays of rhythm going with sassy piano and vocals playing the party out in style. It may not be rocket science but the Original mix certainly works in terms of expressive energy and also contains some extra cool percussion and guitar flair. The d’sol Remix turns it all on its head with a much deeper interpretation that explores the more subtle elements (if you can believe that) in the original, especially and thankfully the emotive guitar and wind instrumentation all of which really strikes the perfect note to end on. 8

release: 15 February 2012

http://soundcloud.com/sidvaga

http://www.wonderwheelrecordings.com/

 

for inspiration Joe Bataan ‘Latin Strut’ (1974) 

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Reviews:29

 

Franck Roger
‘Too Blind To See’
Real Tone Records

The first of two releases reviewed this week (both produced by Franck Roger) sees the inimitable Frenchman deliver what he does best: gorgeous Deep House Music for the discernable listener. Too Blind To See sequences together a compelling bassline with crisp drums, edited vocal snippets and ends up at the desired effect. Deep In again delivers on provocative percussion, although this time with cutting organ chords and warmer vocals coupled with tastefully muted trumpet this notably sumptuous arrangement pushes all the right buttons. 8

www.realtonerecords.com

released December 2011

 

Joel Alter feat. Eric D. Clark
‘Rules Of Love (Franck Roger Remix)’
Bass Culture

This excellent remix sees Roger surpass himself with the obvious pleasure of reworking these striking spoken words by Eric D. Clark. Driven by an infectious arpeggio of haunting synth and stunning bass notes this perfectly times its sense of occasion by gently introducing a devastatingly cool array of ideas, from additional deep tones to commanding keys. Feeling very much like that classic Chicago House sound, both electronically and vocally, this can only come as highly recommended. Also well worth checking are the Original and DJ Qu versions. 9

http://www.beatport.com/#release/rules-of-love-ep/838247

http://bassculturerecords.com/

 

Not out until Feburary 12 (2012) but the video for the new single from Azari & III: Reckless is first class…

 

 

Theme Park
‘Milk’
Luv Luv Luv Records

And for something very different to all of the above you could try this Orange Juice flavoured slice of pure pop soul. Clocking in at a shade over three minutes this effortlessly provides breezy summer melodies alongside funky guitar which is pleasingly strummed throughout. Easy to move to too, this neatly combines happy moments with sunnier climes. 7

release: 12 december 2011

http://luvluvluvrecords.com/
http://www.themeparkband.com/

 

 

 

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Reviews:20

Zakes Bantwini
‘Wasting My Time’ (Dan Ghenacia Remix: The Martinez Brothers Edit)
Real Tone Records

This Martinez Brothers Edit of Wasting My Time is so heavy it makes you want to swear. But it’s not all devastating bass and sharp beats as cool muted horns and an insistent keyboard riff compliment the madness perfectly, with carefully chosen words only adding extra spice. Respect due to Zakes Bantwini, Franck Roger and also Dan Ghenacia for helping this to happen in the first place. But if words are not enough, click below for a taste of the original remix! 9

release: nov 2011

 

 

Tony Lionni
‘The Bijou EP’
Madhouse Records

If you add the words gorgeous, deep and House Music together will end up here at this bijou. Steps Ahead captures all those early nineties feelings with classic beats and sizzling hi-hats accompanied by staccato organ bass notes – which are nearly always irresistible – and undulating chords and fizzy electronics. The title track follows with expansive pads and arpeggio notes playing like its 1988 all over again on a dancefloor, and why not. Hypnotize, hits a deeper groove with intensity building layers of atmosphere proving irresistible, with final track Rumours elevating the mood once again with joyous keys and funky percussion on what sounds like the EP’s most effective production. 9 

http://www.traxsource.com/index.php?act=show&fc=tpage&cr=titles&cv=121707
http://www.madhouserecordsinc.com

 

 

Valeria Croft
‘Just Prove Again EP.’
Tea Boy Music

Two tracks go to make up this EP from Valeria Croft who hails from the Russian Federation. You may like the amalgamation of ideas which are seemingly thrown together casually and yet feel thoughtful and emotive the more you listen. Just Prove Again combines a sprinkling of cabaret piano alongside snare brushes with richly atmospheric tech stabs for starters. While the more intense Walls On Water has an infectious acid bassline working up a fever with 909 hats and nervous sounds edging themselves under your skin. It has to be said you may enjoy the danger. 8

release: 9 nov 2011

http://soundcloud.com/teaboymusic/tea-boy-music-presents-valeria
http://www.myspace.com/tea_boy_music

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