Review: Burnski's Constant Sound imprint continues its fine run of form via a rock-solid EP from prolific Romanian duo NTFO. Continuing the vibe of the pair's original recent releases, opener 'Metodic' sits somewhere between driving European tech house and chunky, melody-rich deep house - all restless bass, spacey aural textures, reverb-laden lead lines and crispy drum sounds. 'Adjuvant Register' opts for a warmer but no less impactful or hypnotic blend of tech-house and deep house elements, while closing cut 'Candva Cumva' is a forthright and funky take on the more intergalactic end of the tech-house spectrum.
Review: Romanian duo NTFO up next on Leeds institution 20:20 Vision, following up some great releases in recent times for top labels such as Gruuv, Diynamic and Objektivity. The Timisoara based pair kicking off proceedings with the bass heavy sleaze of the fittingly titled "Fresh Cut" and it's perfect for after midnight mood lighting and transitioning into the next phase: peak time!. Next up is the slinky and atmospheric neo-acid of "Jomanfish" which is so hypnotic and equally suited to building the vibe earlier in the evening. Finally "Abrazive" was exactly what we were hoping for: a tough peak time cut with its infectious loops reaching near tribal moments. It's a sunny and uplifting affair reminiscent of Parisian legends D'Julz or Phil Weeks and has us counting down the days until the next summer season on the White Isle.
Review: Romanian deep house duo and Diynamic regulars NTFO are a decent capture for new label Jargon. Here they help get the label off to a sterling start with three tracks of rubbery deepness. The title track, complete with vocals from Forrest, sets the tone, delivering a heady mix rubbery acid bass, endless chords and orange-tinted atmospheres. There's a dash of Local Talk-ish garage revivalism (both US and UK) in the shape of the booming but deftly produced "Professor", while the fuzzy "Munkey Style" sounds like a fusion of Hypercolour-ish house, 808 State's "Cubik" and early Nu Groove deepness. It's a great combination.
Review: Like Solomun's recent mix for Watergate, Wowshit captures the crossover taking place between house and pop / R&B. NFTO & Karmon's "Nobody Else" is based on a slinky house groove that filters and builds gently and which supports a soulful vocal. Meanwhile the title track - a solo effort by Karmon - is focused on the dance floor as trancey chords are filtered into a whooshing climax as a warm bassline purrs away in the background. However, the standout track is "Raining Again" by Betoko. Featuring a drawling male asking "how do you feel when you open up your window and it's raining again" its slinky bass and building organ lend it an epic, poppy feeling that's far superior to the Guetta's and Tiesto's of this world.
