Review: This German label may be associated with minimal and trancey Germanic house, bt this release shows that it is concerned with documenting a far wider set of sounds. "Love Me" is a captivating serving of narco-house, its acid-soaked fiters and shimmering chords sounding all the more alluring as the vocal asks the question 'how do you want me to have trust?' By contrast, Oliver Kotzletzki's take on "Liar" goes back to the 80s to revive electro funk basslines and poppy synths, while the Dan Caster remix of "Run Away" is a plaintive, piano-led groove. If there is one recurring sound however, it is the darker, moodier end of house and the rolling rhythms of Florian Meindl's take on "Little Love" bears this out.
Review: It sounds like German label Stil Vor Talent have a late contender for house release of 2012 on their hands. "Rej Senhor" evolves from a stripped back groove into a warm, full-blooded Latino affair, its sensuous guitar playing underpinning Narra's sensuous, velvety vocals. But that's not all: "Cold World" (which sonically speaking, sounds the opposite of its title) features a dusty bass and seductive piano keys that roll in, both melancholic and strangely uplifting at the same time. Finally, "Raoui" may not be the most immediate track, but it's this writer's favourite due to its loose, live clapping, subtle acoustic guitar strumming and a spine-tingling vocal delivered in an obscure language.
Review: Berlin scene veteran Sascha Braemer made a surprising edition to Marc Romboy's esteemed Systematic imprint last year, having appeared with the Universal Language EP and having the honour of compiling the eleventh edition in the 'My Love Is Systematic' mix series. He returns with his 2020 label contribution titled the 'Megan' EP, featuring three sublime cuts such as "All I Know" and its soft take on dub techno led by some captivating male vocals. The EP's title track up next is an utterly dreamy and evocative night time narrative for the club, and ending with the melodic dancefloor drama of "Fou".
Review: The enigmatic Hyenah is a renowned tastemaker, who is passionate about sounds from across the house spectrum. For his edition of the Watergate mix series, the RISE resident selects an inspiring range of artists, while highlighting emerging African and Afro-German talent such as: Berlin-based JAMIIE teaming up with the Stil Vor Talent affiliated Niko Schwind on "Suwedi", talented singer Nanghiti Aviankoi's amazing vocal range is accompanied perfectly by Emanuel Satie's production on "Forever More" and veteran of the Johannesburg house music scene Da Capo appears with the powerful dancefloor drama of "Dark Knight".
