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:

Review: Kepikei – Back to School EP (Top Billin Records)

This week Slovakian born Kepikei returns with a killer techno EP - Back to School which gets released on the 14th May. Top Billin Records are quoted as saying “We don’t often drop deep music on the label, so when we do you should expect it to be something out of the box, as is the case this time” and they weren't kidding! This EP smashes it! Kepikei - now a resident of sunny LA, has produced something that would be more at home in the darkest depths of Berlin!

Track one “Dawn” gives you a sinister but exciting insight as to where this EP might be going, with track two – “In so many Ways” upping the anti, with the female vocal loop cutting through the heavy electronic backdrop. Track three entitled “Nancee Kelly”, may sound like a Disney heroine, but think Maleficent, more than Sleeping Beauty! The final track on the EP is aptly named “Spun” and keeps the energy levels up until the bitter end.

Individually, the tracks are creative, innovative and fast paced. As a whole the EP demonstrates why Kepikei is attracting attention from DJs and industry media, solidifying his reputation as one of the most interesting DJs in the warehouse techno scene at the moment.

"Back To School" is available now on all major download stores, or buy directly via the Top Billin' Bandcamp

Preview: RiCHARD.GEAR - Strange Magick (bodytalk)

RiCHARD.GEAR steps up for the bodytalk label's second release with his new offering, "Strange Magick". Founder of the excellent Whiskey Pickle imprint, Mr Gear is a regular fixture on the after-dark scene in his native Austin, Texas.

The title track combines some classic house sounds with insistent, discordant vocal samples to create palpable tension. This is proper after-hours material, with the added bonus of a lovely bouncing groove.

George Horn (Acryl Music, DeepWit) smooths out proceedings with his laid back, rolling remix. A warm bassline joins up to some subtle stabs, keeping the energy levels just right throughout.

The second track, "Be Free," has a much more stripped-down approach, featuring slow-building chords and a life-affirming vocal sample. A M.I.J.A.S. remix completes the package, upping the intensity with classic 808 drums, plus filtered chords and bass.

Overall this is a great release, with a mix for (almost) all occasions. Check it out right 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: The Boogie Volume 4 (Tokyo Dawn Records)

Tokyo Dawn's incredible compilation series 'The Boogie' shows no signs of running out of steam with this, its 4th installment.

Somehow treading the fine line between nostalgic and futuristic, this lovingly chosen selection of tracks hangs together beautifully as an album. Highlights include an incredible opener featuring Omar and deftly remixed by in-demand producer Opolopo, as well as a truly modern soul ballad from Chacho Brodas.

"Connecting the dots between early electro, hip hop and house, this compilation redefines boogie based on neon synths, soul chords and a decent portion of robot funk."

 The LP is out on February 23rd on CD as well as digital. Until then, you can grab a preview right here:

The Boogie Volume 4 by Tokyo Dawn Records

Preview: Onur Ozman - Room To Dance EP (Onethirty Recordings)

The brilliant Onethirty Recordings are off to a flying start in this, their 10th year in existence, with a rather lovely release from Istanbul native Onur Özman.

As label boss Jevne puts it:

"Onur has been a sold player in Onethirty family since his first release "Not Enough" back in 2010, followed by "Hold On" in 2011 and "Broken Dreams" in 2012. His music has helped shape the Onethirty sound for years now! "Room To Dance" does not disappoint in staying true to both Onur's & Onethity's vibe! We are very excited to have this EP kick off the ten year anniversary, these are truly amazing tracks."

The package comprises three typically clean, bright slices of bouncy house music, plus a very pleasant moody remix of "Never Can Say Good Bye" from Fil Lavin.

The Room To Dance EP is out today exclusively on Beatport, and across all other stores on February 2nd.

Grab a preview here:

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

Review: Vipul - Evolve (Wind Horse Records)

At the forefront of the emerging deep house scene in India, Wind Horse Records has consistently impressed from day one. This latest release features both Vipul & Hamza, the two producers who most represent the label's unique sound.

Vipul's title track 'Evolve' is a typically dreamy, spiritual slice of house music, full of emotional twists and turns.

Ross Couch's remix moves the track toward the dancefloor with a bouncey swagger, however the breakdown takes us into achingly beautiful, cinematic territory.

Label owner Hamza's version retains many elements from the original track, adding low slung beats, basslines and sublime piano chords.

Dutchie Music boss Juan Mejia takes control for the final remix, taking the original into even deeper waters, full of melodic fragments and dreamy arpeggios.

As the label notes say: "Overall, this evocative offering from Vipul shows his transformation isn’t merely ensuring survival as an artist, but rather gaining him higher ground with each new rung on the
hierarchical ladder. "

'Evolve' is available now on Beatport and all other major download stores.

Preview: Santiago Lopez - Red Sunset (Apollo)

Apollo is one of those labels which sticks to its aesthetic and artistic guns. While other imprints are frantically trying to switch their sound in a futile attempt to reflect whatever the cool kids are salivating over this week, Apollo is still floating serenely around in space without a care in the World...

In my book, this consistency of sound and vision, coupled with a seemingly constant supply of supremely talented artists who hardly anyone has heard of (yet), makes them one of the most important electronic labels around right now.

Their new release by San Francisco's Santiago Lopez is typically spacey, cinematic and evocative.

If you like moody music which gives you room to imagine and think- grab a hold of this one.

As the press release puts it: "Apollo is pleased to announce Santiago Lopez's three-track "Red Sunset" EP. Contemplative in nature, the triptych of tracks comprising "Red Sunset" are deep house gems that sparkle in their glowing surroundings."

The EP is out on December 12th exclusively on Beatport.