Brillstein is a new addition to the famous Play It Down Ranks. The producer has previously collaborated with the PID label boss Jesse Rose and now serves up a full EP on his own. Entitled Back to Bed it is full of the fun, jacking tropes you would expect of a release on this most excellent label.
Up first is the freewheeling Ode 2 Da Nude, an off kilter track with raw drums and plenty of samples littering the sound waves. Je T’adore is next up, this time staying a little deeper, more cuddly and warm in its aesthetics. Trilling synths and filtered vocals add a heartfelt touch to the sliding, gliding beats and it’s once that makes you feel as much as dance, frankly. It Is Sew layers tons of spoken word snippets over jolly percussion, woozy synths and inviting mid tempo drums then Jaw Like Shabba gets a little more serious, tech edged and direct. Fans of down beat, instrument rich slo-mo house funk will find a lot to love in Environmental Produce and last track Meelo My Bro is the most steely and serious of the lot with wiry synths, loopy drums and tripped samples all making for a playful and charming listen. Overall, this is a standout EP stuffed with character.
4 out of 5
Reviewed by Ian Fleming
