Zzub Chart (28-04-2016)

(01) (--) Rude Audio – Rudest EP (Zirkus Records)

The Rudest EP sees the band refining their trademark sound, and fusing their love of woozy dub with throbbing electronics.  Crystal Pylon demonstrates Rude Audio’s ability to weave the kind of hypnotic, Balaeric spell that merges an early 90s sensibility with something shiny and new. Knockemdub takes their Radio 6 championed tune Knockemdead, which featured the dulcet tones and melodic sound of rising star Eucalypta LV and rams it through the dubby, smoke filled orgone accumulator that comprises the collective’s hidden studio basement in the backstreets of south east London, to produce a mutant dub monster with half an eye on the appalling political melee that is Britain in 2016. Half Moon Lane Glitter reflects the band’s love of short and sweet stompathons – pulsating electronics meet Lamis’ staccato piano, uptown. User taps into their oldest love, crunchy, chugging, dubby analogue sounds, to create something that operates in the hinterland between melodic and relentless. Brilliant.

(02) (--) Anchorsong – Expo (Tru Thoughts)

“Expo” is the second single from Anchorsong’s ‘Ceremonial’ album, which sees the London-based Japanese producer mixing the minimalist, catchy melodic phrasing and unique beats of his previous work with a newfound love for vintage African music. Influences from Orchestre Poly-Rythmo to Fela Kuti-style Afrobeat to High Life now hold sway, while he retains the crisp production sensibility and immersive arrangements that have always set him apart. An amazing musician… What a beautiful record that is, One of the best of the year for sure… Joyous and engaging, creative and brilliant!

(03) (--) Underworld – If Rah (Smith Hyde Productions)

Underworld’s Karl Hyde and Rick Smith could never be pigeon holed into a scene, creative shape-shifters in a dance music landscape with genre and micro-genre artists. This has been as much by design as a consequence of the times in which they’ve lived and recorded. ‘If Rah’ finds the duo slipping, as they so often do on albums, into a mid-tempo range, yet again defying you to label them.

(04) (05) Gemini Brothers – Lost Babylon (inc Moscoman, In Flagranti and Daniel Kyo remixes) (Night Noise Music)

Night Noise Music continues to offer up refreshingly inventive music, this time from Romanian siblings Gemini Brothers who serve up one standout original then get remixed with élan by Moscoman, In Flagranti and Daniel Kyo. The Gemini Brothers have been crafting a singular disco sound for the last three years now. Made up of sibling production duo Ionut and Razvan they have a rugged, machine made disco style that is physical and cosmic and has previously dropped on Bearfunk, ISM Records and Glenview Records, often with support from the likes of Faze Action and Andrew Weatherall. Up first is their expertly spangled, churning dark disco chugger ‘Lost Babylon.’ It has tough arps, spitting cosmic sounds and spiralling synths that take you ever higher as the macho but slow groove rolls on with serious weight. It’s a real crowd shocker that will make a big impact in any set. Celebrated cosmic duo In Flagranti then manage to inject their unique sense of tantalising psych-disco fun in a remix that is wild and colourful as well as being nailed to a deep cut groove.

(05) (--) Mr Bird ft. Greg Blackman – Over Again (Ashley Beedle’s North Street Mix / A TOM MOULTON MIX) (Ramrock)

‘Over Again’ is your new found favourite Modern soul sounding classic, a love letter, embedded on a long-lost, dusty mix tape that you rediscover at the back of a drawer with its hand written track list that still makes you smile at the memories. With it’s simple, effective and touching home-made soul flavour, ‘Over Again’ is a musical marriage made in heaven by two funky cats at the top of their game – producer, DJ and Multi-Instrumentalist Mr Bird and Vocalist, Songwriter and all round Powerhouse Greg Blackman, whose unforgettable voice creates memorable, thickly layered soulful jams, flowing effortlessly over Bird’s diverse palette of rhythms. Filled to the brim with strut, sweetness and memorable hooks, ‘Over Again’ is timeless – the limited vinyl 12” features the ‘Low-Fi Classics’ version previously only available as digital on BBE as well as new mixes from house music legend Ashley Beedle and the exclusive to Ramrock Blue vinyl only mix from the Godfather of the Disco 12”, Tom Moulton.

(06) (02) Boddhi Satva – Nankoumandjan (BBE)

Deeply spiritual musician, producer and founding father of ‘Ancestral Soul’, African powerhouse Boddhi Satva returns with a very special 4 track EP. Having previously released on Louie Vega’s ‘Vega’ label and Osunlade’s Yoruba Records as well as running his own ‘Offering Recordings’. Full of African and Latin influenced rhythms and powerful vocal performances, ‘Awakened Spirit’ perfectly reflects Satva’s idiosyncratic, mystical approach to music. Translating as ‘The White Bird’, opening track ‘Ngnari Konon’ is “an ode to peace in Africa and the rest of the world” says Satva. It features Grammy Award winner & UN ambassador Oumou Sangare, one of Africa’s greatest female voices. Featuring the late vocalist Mangala Camara, hypnotic second track ‘Nankoumandjan’ is named after an ancient warrior from the Mandingue Empire. Potent third track ‘Benefit’ features legendary UK soul vocalist Omar, who simply soars over Satva’s blend of African and Caribbean musical flavours. Final track ‘Fighting Spirit’ closes out the EP with Brazilian percussion backing up a dense and potent House groove, dedicated to Boddhi’s father who sadly lost his battle with cancer in early 2014.

(07) (--) Black Square – Archive Ft. Sarah Hezen (Crunch Recordings)

‘Archive’ featuring the vocals of Sarah Hezen sets an ominous tone, with portentous chimes and metallic scratches, joined by a weighty broken beat and soaring, affecting strings. Halfway between Massive Attack in their rowdier moments and The Prodigy in their calmer. ‘Archive’ comes with a mind-bending video from Ben Hartley-Marjoram and is an appositely ambitious statement of intent.

(08) (--) Crazy Godz – Dynamic / Original Tropical Steel Band – Spanish Hustle (Back To The World)

Ashley Beedle & Darren Morris aka Crazy Godz apply their musical voodoo to ‘Dynamic!’ ripping up a storm using a secret sample from ’77, when disco ruled supreme, combining the pulsating rhythm together with a hip hop sensibility. Be warned, the language is explicit! Originally released at the tail end of 2014 and available on a very limited vinyl imprint, ‘Dynamic!’ was distributed to a small, selected band of tastemakers. However, such has been the demand for ‘Dynamic!’ that the BTTW A&R Department has decided to relaunch it plus the ‘Spanish Hustle’ edit.

(09) (--) DOOMSQUAD – Who Owns Noon in Sandusky (Bella Union)

DOOMSQUAD travelled to the New Mexican desert to write and record there album Total Time, creating dark, pulsating beats interspersed with hypnotic, incantatory jams. The album opens with the enticing dance of ‘Who Owns Noon in Sandusky,’ which was written to inspire the nakedness in us all, a song to wake up our inner clocks and reclaim our circadian time.

(10) (--) Lindstrøm – Closing Shot (Smalltown Supersound)

Following last year’s pop-laced “Home Tonight,” Lindstrøm has released “Closing Shot,” a buoyant bit of blue-sky disco that harkens back to the effortless ascendancy in his earliest singles. Over quickened drums, claps and patient filter play, Lindstrøm overlays soft pads with one of his classic synthesizer melodies; at times. Once the track blooms into its central theme, the fluid melody and anthemic build recall recent Todd Terje material. “Closing Shot” is the kind of jam Lindstrøm has been holding back for far too long, and it deserves all the attention such a return to form warrants.

(11) (--) Various Artists – Chris Sullivan Presents The Wag (Harmless)

For the first time ever, the musical legacy of feted London nightclub and ‘haven for misfits’ The Wag is explored over 4 discs with a selection of remastered rare, classic and collectible funk, Latin, disco, hip hop and jazz that filled the floor. Released on via Harmless records and curated by Chris Sullivan – a musician, journalist and most importantly, the Wag’s founder, director, promoter, designer and booker for its entire run of 18 years. Music explored on this box set covers a period from the Wag’s inception in 1982 to 1986, and although the club was an integral early proponent in the acid house explosion and continued to support electronic music until its close in 2001.

(12) (--) Red Hot Chili Peppers – Dark Necessities (Digital Retailers)

Thank you Sarah Favouritizm for the heads up… The track starts off sounding like something outside of the band’s wheelhouse, but eventually the familiar Flea bass funkiness kicks in and Anthony Kiedis‘ tongue-twisty delivery covers the more melodic effort. With Producer Danger Mouse coming up with super-modern ideas open ups a swelling swarm of piano, bass and synth drone before some jazzy funk-pop frivolity, all Chic handclaps and low-riding disco noir grooves building to a vaguely Beatle-ish middle-eight that suggests they set out to write their own ‘A Day In The Life.

(13) (--) Eskimo Twins feat. Justine – Je M’Ennuie / Capital Emocional

After a year’s studio hiatus the Eskimo Twins have returned, fired up their moog and 303 to produce music a little outside their trademark sound.  Je M’Ennuie is a slow motion electro workout, aided by a sultry French vocal from Nein newcomer, Justine.  Remixes come from Mikron, fresh from their fantastic mini-album release on Central Processing Unit and LVL 2 favourite, Pete Callard.  Second track “Capital Emocional” bridges the gap perfectly from the twins last release on Clouded Vision and sees them in forward-thinking acid house mode.

(14) (01) Beyonce – Lemonade (Sony BMG)

Beyonce’s new visual album Lemonade. focuses on her marriage, exploring infidelity in powerful visuals and music. Its a celebration of the beauty and strength of black womanhood, Lemonade is stunningly honest, thrillingly varied, and gives listeners a glimpse into the life of one of the planet’s biggest stars. It transcends genre, and each song feels like a masterpiece in itself, it is never bitter, despite its sharp and stinging approach to infidelity. Instead, Beyoncé’s sixth album offers a frank and brutal exploration of the range of feelings left in the wake of a betrayal. In an era when pop doesn’t tend to say a great deal, there’s something hugely unique about an artist of Beyonce’s stature doing this, a masterpiece by an description.

(15) (--) Josu Mämmi – Spring/Summer 2016 (Bandcamp)

Josu Mämmi is self releasing a sizzling new five track EP entitled Spring/Summer 2016 through Bandcamp on a pay what you want basis. Mämmi is a musician and producer and “a bossa nova drummer who got bit by a techno-fly” who hails from Helsinki. Here he is putting out his first ever EP and it is one that is already fully formed in terms of sound and style so is sure to assert his position on the global stage. Opening up this fresh EP is the standout ‘Mammas Pojke’, a quick and slick cut of boom bap drums, icy hi hats and bristling vocal samples and rattling perc. It is explosive and party starting and will jolt any ‘floor into action. The compelling ‘Collage’ is another excellently physical affair with barreling broken beats and clever samples and filters that add dynamism to the sounds. Colourful blurts of synth bring warmth and soul to the glitchy groove and really suggest Mämmi is a master producer already. The corrugated drum funk and prying chords of ‘Conflict’ will make for a perfect moment at an outdoor festival at sun down, and ‘Open Your Eyes’ is another urgent and infectious bit of drum programming that is tight and off beat, broken and texturally rich. Last of all comes ‘Si,’ a more spaced out and emotive cut with rolling drums and tender xylophone sounds.

(16) (--) Entschuldigung – Entschuldigung EP (Word Up Records)

The lovably quirky fusion of electro, pop and disco from Entschuldigung features four cuts of fat grooves and fulsome synths, it is an all analogue affair, things open up with the pumping ‘Ting Ting,’ a statement track from Entschuldigung where electro dance meets modern club sounds and grooving is the order of the day. It’s as colourful and up beat as classic Todd Terje and immediately sets a great standard. The captivating ‘C.O.N’ is then a minimal electro track split with a deadly break. With its super cool sound, it also features weird sound design and trippy synths that are slick and snappy. ‘Mysterious Downtown’ then masterfully flips the script with sleazy 80’s hip-hop vibes and pinging 808 sounds: think Neneh Cherry and Snoop Dog locked in a studio and you’ll be half way there. The last exquisite track is again a slo-mo chugger. Entitled ’Say it Loud’ it has smeared synths, UFO sounds and pristine rubbery kicks driving it along and sounds like an extended acid trip that will burrow deep into your brain. This is an easy to love and inventive EP that is surely the start of a very bright future for the two talents behind it.

(17) (--) Toy Tonics Various – Mushroom House EP 1 (Toy Tonics)

This MUSHROOM HOUSE EP is the first release in a series of EP’s that will feature tracks from the new wave of weirdo house that is influenced by ethno, afro, psychedelic music. On this first 4 track EP you get new music from ALIEN ALIEN aka Italian producers Rodion & Hugo Sanchez with an Detroit techno kind of track with mushroomey space voices that drive a dancefloor crazy. Then Australian surfer kids and house producers JAD & THE LADYBOY doing a afro heavy old school MPC house jam Gomma boss MUNK is featured with the high in demand Rebolledo Version of SURF SMURF and as a bonus track you get the legendary DJ KOZE remix of WHOMADEWHO’s Keep me in my plane. Releases some years ago, three times repressed and sold out. Sounding now fresher then ever.

(18) (03) Tensnake – Desire (True Romance)

On the A side, Tensnake brings us a slow and low 112bpm dancefloor burner, Desire is a dreamy groove with hazy vocals, airy guitar and exotic synths that will stick to you like glue. The flipside, Fantasma, is a trippy acid disco number infused with oriental influences. Flirting with Balearic and psychedelia, this record sees Tensnake going off the beaten path and sets the tone for his label True Romance.c and psychedelia, this record sees Tensnake going off the beaten path and sets the tone for what should be a great year in music for him and his label True Romance.

(19) (10) Ed Ed – Namaimo EP (Moodmusic)

Up first is the tantalising title track, a broody seven minute opus defined by its big bold bass strokes. Slick percussion and rolling kicks form the groove down below, but that bass is what sticks out, as well as some lithe and sci-fi synths that perform acrobatics up top. ‘Lilly (My Love Is Away)’ comes next and is less settled in a groove. Instead it has squelchy drums and perc making for a more turbulent rhythm that has big bass and subtle little chords running right through it. Shady and atmospheric and full of late night menace, it is a well balanced track once more. The striking ‘Sentinel’ proves Ed Ed can programme tight, corrugated drum lines and crisp, snapping perc that makes you want to dance a physical dance, and when the tender male vocals come in you really are carried away to a better place. Last but not least, ‘Starsign’ marries deep house drums with explosive and starry melodies, big blasts of frazzled synth and plenty of colourful intergalactic soul. It’s a real head turner, for sure. Ed Ed is fast becoming one of the most essential house producers of his day. This EP is a fine statement of intent and is one that will move DJs and dancers in emotive ways.

https://soundcloud.com/ededberlin/ed-ed-nanaimo-nanaimo-ep-27-5

(20) (04) L’Equipe Du Son – Ultrasonic Love Waves (Silhouette Music)

The debut album Ultrasonic Love Waves by L’Equipe Du Son defines not one single genre or style but a mixture between glo-fi, disco and tech house, an album inspired by L’Equipe Du Son’s love of 80s teen flicks and 70s sci-fi.

https://soundcloud.com/lequipe-du-son/lequipe-du-son-ultrasonic-love-waves-album-preview

(21) (--) Dave Winnel feat. Jackie Jaxx – Money (Armada Music)

Getting it on with some typical rhythms, laid-back vibes, and Jackie Jaxx’ impeccably timed rap, Dave Winnel delivers yet another unassailable masterpiece, complemented by Judge’s old-school, genre-defying rendition. It is said that ‘Money’ doesn’t buy happiness. But this tune does make you feel pretty good!

(22) (--) iago de Renor – Aurora EP (Not Another)

Not Another label serves up a sizzling second cut, this time from Tiago de Renor with on point remixes from Sonic Future, Shades of Light and Be Morais. Up first is Aurora, a brooding bit of deep house that is riddled with glowing synths, scurrying percussive lines and future energy. It explodes into a groove that will sweep up any dance floor and is a masterfully produced affair. Apollo is the next original from the Brazilian talent and is a quicker and sucked in affair with driving, punchy drums, atmospheric pads and frazzled bass making for an essential groove. Sonic Future & Shades of Light link up for a remix that is more techno in nature, with its twinkling night sky melodies and neon colours, and Be Morais then supplies his own version that goes even darker, harder and more technoid. His kicks are forceful, his bass is tightly coiled and his synths are sic fi and spaced out,!

(23) (--) Silience feat. Joe Michel – Remember M

There was a time when The Bearded Man spent a lot of money on cars. Like a LOT. But it wasn’t on speed. Hell no! It wasn’t on crotch rockets or import tuners or any of that honky bullsh**. He spent his cash on them low-lows, girl. He’d ride up round sunset, hydraulics in full swing, on some unsuspecting hotties from the block. When the girls saw him coming, they’d take their sunglasses off, time would slow down, and they’d simultaneously mouth the words: “Daaayyyyuuumm.” Needless to say, The Bearded Man knew how to make one hell of an impression. They admired his ability to drive in a lowrider. They admired his ability to own a car. But most of all, they admired the fact that his owning those things must have made him a better man. I mean, why else would people do it? Who cared about his personality? Who cared about his rhymes (which were mad ill by the way)? Who cared about whether or not he had a job? The lowrider said enough. Just like Aphex Twin’s iconic ‘Windowlicker’, The Bearded Man would often encourage these ladies to join him in his ride, and they’d bounce off into the California sunset. Hey come on, it was the 90s! You can’t blame him for that!

(24) (07) Jimmy Maheras – This Is The Girl (Into The Woods)

This is the first cut from Brooklyn-born, Los Angeles based DJ/producer Jimmy Maheras on his new label.Co-founder of Plastic Love, Maheras reveals its shadowy counterpart with Into The Woods. Detroit-based Jared Wilson handles remix duties on the B-side with a touch of acid. Keep your eyes and ears open for future releases. “This Is The Girl” is the sound of a late night Los Angeles freeway drive. You speed past the downtown skyline with its anonymously lit windows, chasing spectral taillights in the distance, not knowing or caring if you’ll catch them. Blue and red flashing lights speed past you on the other side, in pursuit of someone else. On you drive. We’re speeding away from all of it, getting far away from all of those people, those places, and those things. Someplace different. Hit the lights. We’re going into the woods.

(25) (08) John Grant – Voodoo Dol (Belle Union)

The most unlikely man to get funky, with its angular funk, you’ll wish John Grant would make a voodoo doll of you and feed it some homemade chicken soup and put it in a corduroy jumpsuit. It’s like LCD Soundsystem with less arch cynicism and more big-hearted bear-hugs.

(26) (09) Monitors – J’Adore EP (Incl. Ominous Remixe) (Faceless Recordings)

Montreal based duo Monitors make their debut on Silky & Barber’s London imprint Faceless Recordings with two original productions, whilst four remixes from Droog, Stefan Z, Ominous and label owner Silky complete the EP. ‘Night Drive’ opens the EP with a selection of soft yet vibrant pads and a steady rhythm, before the Droog remix offers a melodic focused alternative with echoing vocals, minimal tones and deep kicks. Label head honcho Silky completes the ‘Night Drive’ set by stepping in to unveil a medley of organic percussion licks and evolving atmospherics. Next up, title track ‘J’Adore’ is a return to Monitors original productions and delivers a cavernous lead line accompanied by rich stabs and reverberating murmurs. Stefan Z’s take on the production centres itself deep within its dark and murky metallic tones and its weighty 4x4 arrangement. Lastly, the stripped back Ominous Remix of “J’Adore’ builds through a series of sporadic sonics and low slung rhythms to round off the EP.

(27) (17) Feiertag – The Rituals (Boogie Angst)

A fine collection of electronica with flashes of house, nu disco, soul and pop in a thoroughly pleasing aural concoction. With guest vocals from the supremely talented Tessa Rose Jackson and Colin Lee over Feiertag’s crisp productions, it’s a polished, melodic body of work continuing to build on his signature sound he started to establish with ‘High Expectations’. Opener Sunday Mornings is a relaxed track at ease with the world. Ethereal side chained synths and soulful vocal lines play over a steady analogue groove – it’s the musical equivalent of a weekend stroll through a field in summer. Beautiful. Tessa Rose Jackson provides beautifully melodic vocals on The Parachute – an indie electronica tune with pop and soul leanings. Laden with glistening synths and almost sound design like guitar lines. It’s a gorgeous piece that will leave listeners uplifted Featuring the soulful vocal talents of Colin Lee, Down To You is a tasteful track combining house and electronica with a less-is-more attitude. Carefully accented with echoed percussive fills – it’s a laid back affair with reverb drenched synth pads subtly evolving around the drum peaks and troughs. Body & Soul closes the collection flitting between broken beats and nu disco showcasing the versatility of Feiertag’s drum chops as well as his production skills. It’s a head nodding tune that builds up to an ending of hypnotic layers of tuned percussion lines that leave you wanting more.

https://soundcloud.com/iamfeiertag/sets/feiertag-the-parachute-ft

(28) (18) Jigmastas – Resurgence (BBE)

A scintillating introduction to ‘Resurgence’, their first collection of unreleased material in more than a decade, ‘Resurge’ is the brand new single from New York hip hop veterans DJ Spinna & Kriminul, aka Jigmastas. Earning their stripes during the ‘second golden era’ of East Coast hip hop 20 years ago, Spinna & Krim have continued to create together consistently, finally deciding this year to begin releasing music again. Smooth, relaxed piano and horn loops ride over classic beats with Spinna’s trademarked synth bass bubbling away at the low end; a track which calls to mind the very best DITC productions from back in the day. Kriminul’s flow is just as flawless as ever; the perfect balance of conscious messages and gritty street-knowledge. With a new-found global interest in classic hip hop, the return of Jigmastas could not be more timely. Long may they keep on rockin’.

(29) (06) Zona – Jesus Is (from album ‘Peace, Love & Understanding’ ) (70x7 Records)

‘Peace, Love & Understanding’ is the silky smooth debut album from LA based band Zona. Gospel vibes are a plenty as Chellena Back closes out the album on the brilliant Gospel high ‘Jesus Is’.

(30) (11) I-Robots – Kind of Intrigue (The Cosmic Disco remixes) (Opilec Music)

Continuing with a series that focusses on brilliant remixes of I-Robots originals, Opilec Music now bring together two more Italian legends of the scene in Alexander Robotnick and Daniele Baldelli & Marco Dionigi. They both turn out reworks of ‘Kind of Intrigue’ from 2009 as part of an on going project that is all based around the impact of Isaac Asimov’s Laws of Robotics and features art by Tamami Saito.

(31) (11) JP Chronic Ft. Thallie – Again (Incl. Francesco Tarantini & Hector Romero, Talkback & DJ Vivona Remixes) (Sunclock)

First up, Francesco Tarantini & Hector Romero’s remix of ‘Again’ opens the EP with a selection of soft tones, organic drums and shuffling hats, before the Talkback remix offers a more straight laced alternative with heavy, chugging percussion licks and echoing distorted vocals. JP Chronic’s original production then reveals itself, with a focus on subtle murmurs mixed with rich and resonant vocals, all laid over a stripped back yet weighty 4x4 arrangement.

https://soundcloud.com/search?q=JP%20Chronic%20Ft.%20Thallie%20%20-%20%20Again

(32) (12) Michel de Hey – Basic Eggs EP (Hey!)

‘Basic Eggs’ EP is the latest in a slew of new releases, Each top track from it has been road tested around Europe and has been proven to work, with the title track making it onto the official Extrema Festival mix CD. Opener ‘Basic Eggs’ is a real stomper, with big and irresistible drums and cutting synth stabs. It’s a physical booty shaker with crisp production that jumps right out of the speakers and straddles the line between house and techno with ease. Tightly coiled tech house is the order of the day on ‘Tracklights’, with its knotted bass and whirring machine funk making you jiggle your whole body. Skipping hits and real percussive looseness classify this as a sure-fire ‘floor filler. Last but not least, ‘Feverish’ drops into a more silky, low slung groove. It is romantic and heartfelt with warm pads and gentle beats caressing you with its coy sense of funk. Tight drums and clean chords add to the lushness and will mean you are truly carried away.

(33) (13) Justin Robertson’s Deadstock 33s – Metal Taste/Bajo La Luna (Skint Records)

‘Metal Taste,’ is a trippy and woozy affair with intoxicating vocals and reggae rhythms at its core. ‘Bajo La Luna’ a more intense and uptempo cut with acid lines, scattered toms and coarse claps making for a driving tech ride.

(34) (14) Simonk – Star Dust / Spiel (Visionclub Records)

Born finally our label Visionclub Records. A new project designed for musical expansion of our club and our style in the world. The first issue we Dedicated to the enveloping sound you simonk, as well as owners of visionclub. Release date: 05/05/2016

(35) (15) Severino & Farley – Music Fills The Air (Incl. Hard Ton & Man Without A Clue Remix) (SoSure Music)

Italy’s Hard Ton on remix duties, and the duo turn in a raw interpretation led by dusty analogue drums, mesmeric piano lines, squelching 303 licks and snippets from the original’s vocal lines.

(36) (16) Karuva – Rapping & Clapping (Anabatic)

Karuva comes back with two great tracks for the Rapping & Clapping EP, Rapping & Clapping is nice super heady track that hits your with some super crazy synths while just keeping you in a nice groove. On The Flipside we have Give Me Something. A more energetic track that really pushes the envelope and gives you something too dance to.

(37) (19) Missing – Karma – ‘Off My Mind EP’ (Ft Jamie George & Heidi Vogel) (Urban Habitat Recordings)

Urban Habitat Recordings is the brand new label of acclaimed Jungle and breaks producer, Missing, set up as a platform to showcase innovative new sounds that transcend all aspects of the dance music spectrum. ‘Off My Mind EP’ oozes cool and comes loaded with 4 diverse forward thinking cuts for the floor, each with it’s own very unique flavour. The EP title track features the much in demand UK vocal talents of Jamie George, who delivers an intense spoken word over a captivating Deep House piano lead groove, immersed in a bubble bath of melancholy. ‘Time 4 House’ is a dynamic four-to-the-floor bass driven power jam, armed with moody bass licks, punchy 90’s style beats, teased with cut up vocal samples and tension filled breaks. Flipping the script, ‘Bun & Cheese’ is 5 glorious minutes of experimental Dub and Jungle influenced House with it’s rolling bass, airy synth washes and sublime beat science. Finishing off the package with bang, ‘Karma’ features the unmistakeable sound of Heidi Vogel, who delivers a Soulful power-vox over a huge slab of Electro-tinged heaven!

(38) (20) Deep Tenor City – Fireheart \ The Present (feat. Antonio Ocasio) (BBE)

‘Fireheart’ begins with a 21st century disco-house feel, complete with boogie bass-line and poignant stabs. Astounding live percussion takes the track toward a climax to light up any dance-floor. Second track ‘The Present’, a collab with NYC’s Antonio Ocasio, brings together lush, haunting chords, complex percussion from Oli Savill and José Claussell, intriguing spoken word vocals and clever interplay between rhodes and flute solos.

(39) (21) NBOC – Party (BBE)

Genre-defying sonic explorers New Born OutCry (NBOC) comprises the unlikely pairing of classically trained UK trombonist Courtney Brown & highly respected Canadian jazz trumpeter Jay Phelps. The duo share a wealth of experience between them, including Courtney’s time at the Royal Academy Of Music and Jay’s stints performing and recording alongside George Benson, Wynton Marsalis & Macy Gray among many others. Far from the expected high-brow classical/jazz hybrid one might expect from such artists, it’s clear these two friends bonded over a love of popular and urban music. ‘Party’ is bass-heavy, relaxed yet uptempo jam which is almost impossible to pigeon-hole. Muted trumpets from Jay and smooth, soulful vocals from Courtney share the stage with brash electronic drums and dramatic brass samples. Imagine D’Angelo’s ‘Brown Sugar’ remixed for the juke/footwork generation and you’ll come close. Refreshingly different, positive and fun, we’re very glad we got an invite to NBOC’s ‘Party’.

(40) (22) SofaTalk – F-airy Dust EP (ft. Kris Tidjan) (Roots Underground Records)

Sulfites’, an intro track with oscillating synths and quivering chords that unravels across its three-minute duration. ‘Dance Of The Cranes’ then delivers a cacophony of light percussive elements whilst serene notes operate throughout. Finally, ‘Fairy Dust’ features Kris Tidjan’s impassioned vocal to forge a poignant production that nods towards classic Detroit house.

(41) (23) Rosario Galati & Yves Murasca – Hypnotize EP (Holter & Mogyoro Remixes)(Kittball)

Italy’s Rosario Galati and Germany’s Yves Murasca collaborate once again to provide a pair of sultry house cuts featuring remixes from Simone Vitullo and Holter & Mogyoro. Known for working closely with Milk & Sugar Recordings as well as pioneering his Deepalma Records imprint over the last three years, Yves Murasca is a hot topic in the world of contemporary house music. Meanwhile, Rosario Galati has been cutting his teeth in the scene for a decade, releasing music under monikers such as Emmanuel Dunn and also part of the trio Sicily Pleasure before returning to produce under his birth name. Empowered vocals and a warm bass drive ‘I Don’t Need You’ forward whilst numerous effects join heady horn riffs throughout. ‘Hypnotize’ then delivers soothing chords and dusky drones in a deep and poignant production. Next Up, Simone Vitullo’s remix capitalizes on prominent horns of ‘I Don’t Need You’ whilst generating an infectious groove until Holter & Mogyoro’s rendition utilizes drawn out breakdowns, floating atmospherics and uplifting piano.

(42) (24) My Favorite Robot – Magneto (Kezokichi Remix) (My Favorite Robot Records)

Kezokichi a Japanese DJ, producer and label owner, here, really impresses with an excellent remix of ‘Magneto’ that is poised and playful, with one finger bass stabs and libidinous vocals making for a reserved, patient cut that oozes love.

(43) (25) Sek – The V Track / Days Like These (Madhouse)

Up first is ‘The V Track’ which focuses on classic string sequences, chopped vocal hooks, boomy sub bass tones and a raw rhythmic drive to create a classic slice of deep house for Madhouse. On the flip is title track ‘Days Like These’ which lays down a low-slung dropped tempo groove via loose organic rhythms and snaking bass licks alongside an amalgamation of smooth chords, vocal lines and swirling atmospherics.
Out on Madhouse Records 17th June 2016

(44) (26) Cassius – Action ft. Cat Power, Mike D (Interscope Records)

A return to Cassius’s classic house and funky disco sound, with Beastie Boys member Mike D, who provides robust and playful rap verses while Cat Power’s Chan Marshall coos the chorus.

(45) (27) Hydrafunk – Beasts From Below EP (Immigrant Records)

Kicking off the release is ‘Underworld’ which sees Hydrafunk fuse multilayered analogue synth sounds from chugging bass grooves and soft ethereal pad sweeps through to wandering arpeggios and bubbling atmospherics, all running alongside a raw and swinging percussive drive to open the EP in style. ‘Immortal Melody’ follows and tips things into dubbed out realms via echoing chord hits, rumbling sub bass and swelling pad drones before the introduction of an infectious stab-led sequence to carry the heady, entrancing groove throughout its six and a half minute duration. Lastly ‘Hydra’s Dance’ rounds of the package, laying its focus on an 80’s electro-tinged bass line, acid blips and robust 909 percussion, while soft synth flourishes and sporadic vocal licks ebb and flow throughout the composition. Hydrafunk’s ‘Beasts From Below’ EP is out on 3rd (Vinyl), 16th (Digital Exclusive on Juno) and 30th (Worlwide) June 2016.

https://soundcloud.com/immigrantrecords/sets/hydrafunk-underworld-2-minute

(46) (28) Tedd Patterson – Synco / Luv Muscle (SoSure Music)

‘Synco’ a robust house workout led by weighty rhythms, hooky vocal lines, stuttering stab hits and ghostly pad lines meandering around the depths of the record, a penetrating sub bass hook to further fuel the infectious feel of things. ‘Luv Muscle’ an equally hypnotic number yet focused on a more murky, dubbed out tip with echoing dub stabs, crunchy broken percussion while sporadic low end tones and piano chords ebb and flow throughout.

(47) (29) H.O.S.H. – Title: End of a Chapter EP (My Favorite Robot Records)

H.O.S.H. is Hamburg’s Holger Behn, an artist who has spent much of his career releasing EPs and LPs on Diynamic, the label he helped make famous alongside close friend Stimming and boss man Solomun. His fresh sound, which tangles between techno and house, has taken him all over the world, to DJ residencies at various places in Ibiza and festivals big and small on just about every continent. First up is the colourful and cosmic main room bomb that is ‘Meloman.’ With twinkling keys and sweeping pads it is a truly expansive affair that has infectious drums at its heart. The excellent ‘Aire’ has big drums and snaking shakers, scraping perc sounds and majestic, wildly repetitive melodies exploding throughout. It is celebratory and euphoric, expertly programmed and finished with real style and will mark the high point of any set. Last but not least is ‘Libre,’ which is eight and a half minutes of wonky beats and pixelated synths, rippling chords and brightly coloured neon melodies that fire every synapse in your body. It is another adventurous and explosive track that is full of fun and craziness right in time for the upcoming festival season. This is a top trio of tracks that is as colourful and stuffed with musicality as you could imagine.

(48) (30) Arnaud Rebotini – Forza Maradonna’/Danger Zone (Zone)

Arnaud Rebotini has done it all, from pioneering electronic works to teaming up with chamber orchestras. A real synth wizard and mesmeric live performer who has remixed everyone from Depeche Mode to Nitzer Ebb, Bloc Party to Rammstein, he is an award winning musician who also started the seminal Black Strobe group and has had his music used on a number of films such as The Wolf of Wall Street. As such, from experimental pop to death metal, electro to soundtracks, he has done it all. Now he returns to his good friends at Zone Music for another sterling EP. ‘Forza Maradonna’ is a chugging, cosmic disco delight with slick drums and retro-future synths all fleshed out with fat bass, filter sweeps and raining melodies.Opener ‘Danger Zone’ is a frazzled electro house cut with whirring machines, pixelated synths and blasts of bass that are physical and menacing. Muffled robot vocals lend it a dehumanised feel and sheet metal textures and rushing pads all ensure it goes off with a bang.

(49) (31) youANDme – PPPPP (Rhythm Cult)

Bouncy genius.. now dance! A truly compelling house track with an effortlessly groovy feel, disco fried stabs and smooth wood block hits that glide the thing along. It is party starting yet subtle, big yet clever and has some firing vocal samples to really set the track alight.

(50) (32) Xinobi & Lazarusman – See Me (Discotexas)

The marvellous ‘See Me,’ then, is a monumental track of hypnotic house and mellow narcotic techno. The bass is heavy, dark and mysterious and the idiosyncratic Lazarusman layers his unique voice and noble words in a way only he can. Fresh and contemporary, the track has the guts to fulfil the pleasures of any underground clubber but it will also blow a big festival sound system.
Prepare yourself to get the chills, then, because this is a magically moving creation from the Discotexas boss man.