Southern Fried Records release an EP from a couple of bears, who after listening to this EP, don't emit any kind of cuddliness. Though Hot Chipper Joe Goddard isn't a stranger to them hypothetical cuddles, having encompassed a strict following from Hot Chip fans. A fine release, take a listen, and a buy.
Colin Bailey puts right a lot of the wrongs his countryman Calvin Harris has inflicted upon the reputation of Scottish dance music with this insistent and snarling effort. His work as his enigmatic stage persona Drums of Death is defiant and confrontational, and it's easy to see why Peaches chose to collaborate with him on their 2009 mixtape.
Although many (including myself) initially dismissed his efforts as overly conceptual and not worthy of the hype, I find myself eating my words as the track goes on. 'I Won't Be Long' is simply explosive with drumbeats stolen from an M25 rave building up to a thrilling crescendo at 2:26. It backs up the reputation of his frenetic live performances (and freakish badass street mime/zombie costume) have garnered over the last 12 months.
Every part of the track bursts with life, albeit life with a dark Gothic edge. So, although the song is filled with big organ riffs and throbbing percussion, it retains something malevolent bubbling beneath the surface - much like the heavy make-up Bailey hides behind at live shows. It's an oxymoron - that something so dark and sinister can harbour so many lively sounds within it. It's now that the name 'Drums of Death' makes so much sense - the drums being the ever beating heart of the track, upbeat and positive, with death always just on the horizon of thought. A brave effort.
With over 15 years of experience, Cassius, individually known as Zdar and Boombass, have finally got into bed with the darlings of French electro, Ed Banger Records. Their latest offering (from the excellent Rawkers EP) twists their proven formula of languid, sexy electro into something more off beat and nasty, accompanied by a massive snare sound. This sound, the signature of many a 2nd rate 'dubstep' track, doesn't force the direction of the song but serves only to complement the typically Gallic swirling synths, distorted basslines and vocal sample. I personally can't get enough of the delivery (in 2 pitches) and its mixed messages of joy and pain, love and hate. In a genre where so many songs are propelled by percussion, Cassius do a better job conveying emotion with 3 lines ('Ooh I love you so/But why I'll love you/I'll never know') than some bands do with an entire song.
The Ed Banger influence is clear, but it exists in a way which doesn't threaten to take the shine off the polished surface Cassius have worked so hard to maintain.
With this latest E.P, Cassius appear to be innovating and changing with the times, seemingly not content to look back on their work under their many guises (Aphex Twin I'm looking at you. It's been 4 years! Make something already!). The thirst to create and produce shimmering masterpieces is still there, as is the ability to get a crowd moving and shaking.
De la bonne musique!
Released: 8th October 2010 Label: Cassius Records/Ed Banger Records Link: myspace Words: Darcy Mitchell
Here's one word for newcomer Tony Lionni: exciting. His music has been described as a combination of subtle Detroit techno and uplifting euphoria. Latest EP showcases the track 'Precious' which proves aforementioned theory; the intro is invitingly relaxed, projected by soulful uplifting synth that complements vocals by Marvin Belton. The intro leads you deep in to what is to come, a relaxed groove that evolves with accompaniment of a funky light bass drum and bleeps that set off the sluggishly lustful tone. It completely slots in nicely with the Freerange sound, befriending the tone of such acts like Jimpster, Shur-I-Kan and Milton Jackson. If you love this tune as much as we do here then keep an eye out for upcoming album released on October 11th. And to top it all off? He's a fellow Mancunian. Hoorah!
Sit back, relax, and dedicate the next six and a half minutes to this beaut.
The Cr2 crew are firmly on the world's dance floor, having released some fine cut stompers this year and have shown a massive presence in Miami and Ibiza. To commemorate one of Newsicmoos' favourite record labels, below is posted the stand out track from this, their latest EP release. 200th release you know. Electro stompers, follow.
Tiga has never been one to pigeonhole himself when it come to styles and genres, however, the Canadian has lain before him a signature sound on remixes of acts such as Prodigy, Pet Shop Boys and Felix Da Housecat, to name but a prolific few. His latest remix is of the 80's synth-pop-tinged 'I Can Change' by LCD Soundsystem. The original symbolises an early 80's sound and the remix doesn't stray too far from this retro style. It starts with regimental sounding hi hats over James Murphy's wonderful vocal as the sub bass bubbles up beneath. Slowly but surely the track progresses with a huge menacing bassline that creeps in until it dominates the track. When listening to the breakdown, I cant help but imagine it being played in a packed festival tent with its glorious euphoric synth building a definitive hands-in-the-air moment. If you haven't already heard it, expect to hear it in a festival tent near you.
Enjoy.
Released: 25th July 2010
Label: Copyright of DFA LLC under exclusive licence to EMI Records
A broken beat, some grimey funky dubstep, uniquely soft breakdowns and a soulful vocal equals a perfect release. Sbtrkt fails to dissapoint and Sampha delivers some emotive beats. BIG TUNE!
Check out Sampha's MySpace (link below) and listen to his remixes. Very big chill time.
James Blake released his EP a month ago with a sound so astral, atmospheric and sometimes a little bit grimy. There's no doubt as to why he's fronting remixes for prolific electronic music gods; he has a way of breaking apart a flow but keeping in tact an elevating manner. I'm sure there's more to come from Blakey yet!
Release date: 31st May 2010 Label: R&S Records Link: MySpace
Bonobo returns. Soak up this sunshine and chill. Andreya Triana is becoming the ethereal vocal to sample, proof in various airy and open tunes. Some tunes are designed to awaken the senses, and others are there simply to accompany the passing by of the inevitable tick-tocking.
Believe it or not, there's a certain expectation of sillyness upon first hearing their name: Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (MySpace page - worth visiting just for the list of dinosaur influences) or TEED. Yes, there is a playful, light-hearted element to his new EP, found in the upbeat musical style of 'Garden', which sounds like a Calvin Harris-Joy Orbison replicate, a sort of relaxed disco-dubstep amalgamation. The conversational narrative between a couple balances out the upbeat music and adds a touch of introspective depth. 'Blood Pressure' is more of a dancefloor pleaser, subscribing to a fidgety electro house bass roll that takes inspiration from dancehall and sounds like an Ayia Napa goldmine - a sound that is all so popular at the moment. Top advice in the lyrics too: "Prehistoric ting, rude bwoy." Damn straight. Overall, a very quirky, post-historic release that doesn't lose its credible enormity through experimental production.
This one has to have a mention today. An introspective piece of realness. Other tracks on the EP include 'Thrust', 'Don't Want Your Love' and 'Jungle One'. This one below is the stand out. While you're figuring out when your judgment day is (harsh), do so whilst listening to drum and bass ledge Calibre. Much love.
French label Real Tone supply the global dance arena with smooth minimalistic ideas and one means by which they spread their sound is through globetrotting DJ Franck Roger. This week (17th May) he releases a 5 track EP entitled 'Same Old Game', where we're forced to submerge ourselves in the tribal depth of South American vibes. This kind of deep house is the perfect accompaniment to a dance floor. And if you're in Manchester, then there's no need to dream - check out The Roadhouse on the 4th June.
The track below, Jungle Beat, is but a highlight of his mastery. His MySpace Page provides the rest.
