Review: Over the last decade, Konstanyun Isaev has built up one of the most distinctive catalogues in nu-disco, delivering EPs for the likes of ISM, Bordello A Parigo and Kolour Recordings that explore the stylistic boundaries of the style. He's at it again here, skipping between dark and moody late-night sleaze (foreboding opener 'Emperor Sheikh'), picturesque acid/electro/freestyle fusion (the bubbly synth motifs and sludgy bottom-end of 'Inspector Krause'), and dubby early morning house hypnotism ('Hypnotic Style'). His rock-solid originals are complimented by two equally as impressive remixes: the Middle Eastern electronic lead lines and surging, arpeggio-driven grooves of A-Tweed's druggy revision of 'Emperor Sheikh' and the bouncy electro-breaks cheeriness of Panorama Channel's re-make of 'Inspector Krause'.
Review: Few DJs have more experience of providing the soundtrack to Balearic sunsets than Chris Coco and Pete Gooding. It's perhaps fitting, then, that they've compiled and mixed this second installment of the Gecko Beach Club (based on Formentera, Ibiza's little brother) mix series. This bulging digital package contains a mix from each (Coco's is defiantly hazy and downtempo, Gooding's packed full of tactile deep house), plus their selections in unmixed form. There are some real gems to be found, from the sun-kissed simplicity of Seu Jorge and Almaz's unfussy cover of "Everybody Loves the Sunshine", and Blackbelt Andersen's spine-tingling "Mann Pa Mars", to the wide-eyed Balearic house goodness of Gooding's own "Malibu", and the bassy strut of Waifs & Strays' "Remedy".
Review: In the space of less than a year, Roberto Rodriguez' Serenades label has seen its releases receive admiration from the like of Tensnake and Maya Jane Coles, and this compilation release offers the label a chance to reflect on a successful year, and win themselves some new fans in the process. Label head Rodriguez contributes the Balearic boogie-funk of "Has Been", whilst the Nacho Marco remix of "Ishama" takes a more cosmic path, dancing round a handbag made entirely out of the plastic casing from vintage early 80s BBC Micro computers. Johnwaynes contribute "Never Enough", featuring relentless synths and a tight bass "n' drums combo, taking things up and down beautifully, whilst Volta Cab finish with the slo-mo soul of "I Don't Want Love", its bumping rhythm brought to life with a staccato piano sample that takes things into a housier realm.
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