Review: The new EP, "Offshore Sunsets," by the collaborative effort of Steve Cobby (of Fila Brazilia fame) and Third Attempt washes over the listener like a warm, hazy summer evening. Released on Paper Recordings, this three-track offering is a delightful exploration of Balearic house, perfect for unwinding or soundtracking a laid-back gathering. The opening track, "B Human," sets the tone with its "rolling, hypnotic, spaced-out" vibe (as described by Paper Recordings). Floating minor keys, a walking bassline, and a gorgeously chugging guitar create a sun-drenched soundscape. This is Balearic bliss at its finest. Third Attempt takes the reins for the aptly titled "Language Of The Heart." This track leans into a more downtempo, a perfect offering for those late-night sessions or creating a chilled atmosphere. The duo reunites for the closing track, "Feeling Seen." This hazy, jazzy broken beat number brings the EP to a satisfying conclusion. Deep basslines intertwine with funky elements, showcasing the collaborative magic between Cobby and Third Attempt.
Review: Chinese producer Mr Ho impresses muchly with this release on his own Klasse Wrecks label. '000 Baby' in its Original form is a delightfully diverse concoction that blends ethereal synths, a haunting, lilting female vocal, drums that nod to early 90s street soul, Rastaman shouts, a big fat bassline and, as we get into the second half, lots of pleasing acid squelch. As if that wasn't enough Bristol boy Jim Coles, better known as Om Unit, then gives the track a deep drum & bass makeover that's enough to get the hairs on the back of your neck standing up and no mistake, guv'nor. Top drawer bizniss for sure.
Review: Rayko teams up once more with Elena Hikari to deliver the pair's second joint long-player, following on the heels of 2023's 'Tu Alma Y La Mia'. But while that first album was good, this one's exceptional! Cinematic, cosmic opener 'Too Much' sets the tone but it's the second track, 'Nunca James', that really hits you in the face: it's a slow-burning monster, with Hikari's haunting vocal earning it a place in the box marked "truly sublime". 'Looking To Edge' is another BIG track that probably needs to be heard on a 4am dancefloor to be truly appreciated; after that you get four more cuts that blur the lines between cosmic/Italo disco, Balearica, coldwave, house and pop (including a new version of 'Extraordinarylove' from the first album) before the title track, another deep, slo-mo chugger, plays us out in very fine style. Excellent work!
Review: Following years spent flitting between labels including Toy Tonics and Razor N Tape Reserve, COEO make their bow on Shall Not Fade. In keeping with the Bristol label's approach to digital releases, it's an expansive and action-packed affair. Title track 'Planet Earth' is one of the Munich-based duo's more forthright cuts to date - a thrusting, bongo-laden techno tempo rave workout propelled forwards by an insanely good (and rubbery) electronic bassline and psychedelic acid lines aplenty - while 'Satellite Bay' sounds like a cross between early '90s synth-pop, Kraftwerk and Euro-dance. Elsewhere, 'Rush Hour' gloriously joins the dots between hip-house, vintage MK productions and the Pet Shop Boys' Relentless' album; 'Kawasaki Racing Club' combines breakbeats and early UK progressive house sounds; and 'The Stage Is Yours' is a head-nodding, midtempo acid breaks affair.
Review: Danish producer Mads Dalholt is perhaps best known as one-half of Dalholt & Langkilde, whose 2015 album 'Sur Plus' is regarded as something of a classic in Balearic and downtempo circles. Now he comes with his first solo album and shows that he hasn't lost his touch, as he serves up 12 tracks that are laidback without ever getting boring, and mellow without ever getting overly polite or twee. 'Sitarhara' is a particular highlight to these ears with its hazy, subcontinental feel, while elsewhere 'Gui Tabu' evidences Latin influences and cuts like 'Drummer' and 'Jatak' look to African music for inspiration. It all adds up 1 hour 11 minutes of chilled listening that's well worth investigating even if downtempo vibes aren't usually where you're at.
Review: Catching Flies, the moniker of George King, delivers his most emotional and cohesive project yet with this album, Tides. Collaborating closely with string arranger Thomas Lea, known for his work with Adele, Bonobo, and Rhye, Catching Flies explores the theme of 'ebbs and flows', reflecting on personal and global experiences over the past few years. The album beautifully captures the cyclical nature of life, anchored by a singular sense of purpose and intricate musicality. From the melodic mesh of harp samples and soaring strings in the lead single "Halo" to the deeply textured and soulful exploration of tracks like "Spring" and "The Last Phone Call" - Catching Flies blends live instrumentation with warm electronic beats.
Review: Bufi & Kubebe unveil Sternana Remixes: a collection of reinterpretations from their collaborative EP, initially launched under sister label Fauna Reve. This release introduces fresh perspectives from Balam, Tyu, Mufti, and Hermetics, each infusing the original tracks with their distinctive takes, introducing fresh approaches respectively. Balam kickstarts the compilation with a pulsating remix of acid-infused energy and trance elements, while Tyu's hypnotic rendition of "El Jockey "blends deep drums with psychedelic nuances. From Guadalajara, Mufti delivers a break-driven remix of "Cicatriz" while Argentinean artist Hermetics closes with a captivating version of "Sternana" - luring listeners in with its potent kick and entrancing vocals.
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