In Plain Sight At Juno Download

Review: After the tops off house of the inaugural In Plain Sight release from the mysterious YoungTEE, Andy Blake's new label returns to the record shelves with a more familiar name at the helm. Familiar to those who remember the R&S release schedule first time round that is, with veteran Dutch producer Maarten Van Der Vleuten at the helm for two boisterous house cuts that further demonstrate the In Plain Sight's dedication to the rough and raw end of the genre. Possessing a discography and clutch of aliases that match his compatriot Legowelt, it's near impossible to include all the differing projects and styles of music Van Der Vleuten in a review (just check his Discogs page) but it's immediately easy to see why Blake would want the Dutchman on In Plain Sight. "Summer Of 909" is tough, foundation shaking body music deftly using full potential the Roland kit with hypnotizing results, whilst "Magick" is a relentlessly jacking drum track poised with full on early 90s rave energy at its core.

Review: Semtek leaves the comfort of his excellent Don't Be Afraid imprint to supply the third 12 inch on Andy Blake's In Plain Sight label, following stellar turns from YoungTee and Maarten Van Der Vleuten. It's not the first time Blake has called on the London-based producer's services - World Unknown devotees will remember the monolithic "Tacos For Dinner" cut in association with Chardonnay that appeared on that label's most recent 12". "Couer De Lyon" is a chunky house jam of the highest order; shuffling hats, a stripped back bassline and a vocal many of you will recognise from one of MK's most legendary remixes combine for a cut that overflows with sultry late night passion. Complementing this, Semtek drops some soundtracky house in the shape of "Beaufort", an analogue jam in the mould of Legowelt that retains a club-ready potency and thus offers a more heads-down alternative to the figurative A-Side.

Review: In Plain Sight, Andy Blake's label dedicated to the more esoteric house sounds, finally lands in the digital realm - exclusive to Junodownload no less - and gets off to a fine start with the hitherto unknown YoungTEE at the helm. The first track, "Dr Chocolate" fuses the kind of oddball low-slung sounds and spoken-word samples that In Flagranti have been masters of for years, with jazzy keys and 808 cowbells which hint at a subtle Chicago influence. The classic house influence continues of "Perfect Model", which combines misty chords with an 80s pop groove, falsetto vocal sample and synth jam solo which comes across as alternate universe Michael Jackson track. As you'd expect from a label curated by Blake, it's house music, but not quite as you know it.