Review: Garneau & Sharkki's label delivers its latest split release. Drawing on diverse influences and sounds, it starts in evocative mode with the rolling breaks and hardcore era vocal samples of Apollo's "Zaptric". Sharkki's "Lust In Translation" also pays tribute to older sources, as the label owner fuses electronic riffs and synth pop vocals. On a more contemporary tip is Liquid Love Angel's "Elevate Me", which features acid lines and robust breaks providing the basis for soulful vocals. CA$TLE's "Back" is also grounded in modern sensibilities as a call and response vocal unfolds over steely drums. Irrespective of the influences at play, each track shares the common trait of being utterly distinctive.
Review: Next on Vancouver's Club Designs is Los Angeles club music stalwart Justin Jay. With releases on tastemaker labels like Ovum, Dirtybird and Lost Palms, Jay continually pushes the envelope with his productions. CDMUSIC006 is a four track EP full of true club weapons; there's the Detroit style computer funk of "Sneaky Sneaky", more electro comes at you, albeit taking a much more dystopian turn, on the brooding "0000". The sci-fi bass attack continues on "Success" in collaboration with Sam Von Horn, and the emotive beats of "Queso" with Benny Bridges.
Review: This EP is the first of two electro-themed releases due before the end of 2021 on Club Designs, and it's an impressive collection. From the speak-and-spell vocals on Sometimes Never's "Back on my BS" and Sharkki's "Style Factory" to the low-slung groove and acid buzz of Ludwig Lurch's "Unity", fans of old school electro will find much to love here. However, the compilation has some more esoteric moments, most notably on the reflective synths of Garneau & Ghostwhip's "Weirdos R Us". In the main though, this is a good time electro funk collection, as popping "Best Boy" by Darius The Barbarian & Cherriep so brilliantly illustrates.
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