Interview: The Squatters - 'Superfly' Single And Sankeys Gig // Champion Records

Champion Records duo The Squatters (Alex Powell and Oliver Portamento) are to release their next single entitled 'Superfly' on November 15th - be sure to support them by buying the release! Or, why not download a remix of it for free right here? Their glitchy beats and breaks combined with top synth sequences and volcanic bass lines are reverberating through the UK dance scene. Latest single is a fresh take on Dutch house featuring lyrical talents of Dutch Courage, whose vocals turn and bend into rhythmic percussion in true Squatters style.

Enjoy!

The Squatters - Superfly by championrecords

And check this video!



Release: 15th November 2010
Label: Champion Records
Link: official // myspace

The Squatters can be found supporting Kissy Sellout on his San City High Tour - and following a night at number one club in the world Sankeys, we caught up with the team for a mini-interview.

*****

How did the Manchester crowd respond to your tunes?

Amazing! Being from the north we kind of relate to the scene alot more and know which of our tunes go off more than others.

Does Sankeys live up to it's "number 1 club in the world" status?

Most definitely - the size is perfect, not too big and not too small. The sound system is amazing with the JBL custom-built Larry Laven bass cab setup (as told by our technician!). The vibe of the venue is living up to the top shelf reputation.

Where do you draw inspiration for your sound?

Our inspiration comes from many avenues such as past events we have played, other inspiring artists, oldschool sounds and even fashions and trends.. As long as it's jump up party style and not deep or depressing.

What can we expect from The Squatters in the near future?

We aim to deliver plenty more tracks like 'Superfly' and 'Drop', which are out this November. Also working on our live performance, incorporating samples and live elements to accompany our DJ set, taking visuals and audio to the next level.

****

We thank The Squatters and Champion Records and remember 'Superfly' is out November 15th. Buy it!

Peace.

Single: Basher, DEEP & Shafie - Shivers

Enjoy the clip below. 'Shivers' follows up an atmospheric introduction with a bit of grimy drum and bass. Get yo groove on.

Enjoy.

Basher, Deep, Shafie - Shivers (clip) by Deep & Shafie

Released: 18th October 2010
Label: Subtitles Music UK

New Single: Riya featuring Skream - The Cycle

‘The Cycle’ is yet another release to feature the vocal talents of Riya who has quickly established herself as the go-to girl for many leading producers such as 8bits and Total Science... and now Skream. Taking time away from the juggernaut that is Magnetic Man, Skream has taken his foot off the pedal with this release using Riya’s beautifully soft and soothing voice to create a track that could be best described as ‘melancholy electronica’, which is coming to prominence under the huge spotlight focused on wonderkid James Blake. Whilst the A Side ‘Seems Like’ is a radio friendly modern soul track, the AA Side ‘the Cycle’ is a different beast altogether. Working along a chugging backing track, her vocals loop and cycle their way round the Rhodes chords and the pumping bassline. Its beat initially gives you the impression that it could go off; however her voice quickly establishes itself at the forefront of the track. At one point you feel like she’s teasing the beat to move into something else 'You say you will/but I know you won’t'. Autonomic has built a reputation on using and releasing quality evolutionary music (to put it in their words) and they may continue that path if they continue to use/discover talent like Riya. I’m confident that this won’t be the last collaboration to feature her exciting talent.

Enjoy.



Released: 18th October 2010
Label: Autonomic
Link: myspace // twitter //
Words: Ryan Kelsey // http://walkintothesea.blogspot.com

Single: Jamie Woon - Night Air

A very sultry, deep tune, vocally orientated - something incredibly nocturnal about this track. 'Feel that night air/flowing through me' - it's rather eerie too how this electroacoustic tune falls somewhere between relaxation and psychotic insomnia. Beautiful nonetheless. Much like his other Fink-like productions, he's definitely worth checking out and one to watch.

Enjoy.



Link: official // myspace // facebook // last.fm

GO TO UPDATED SITE: www.newsicmoos.co.uk and sign up! Tune Alert: Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (TEED) - Household Goods // Greco-Roman

As found on Annie Mac Presents, these former history geeks lay forth yet another blinding single, set for release in November. The intro is an aqua-syrup concoction and forms a distinct and generically indefineable TEED sound, with lyrics that make apparent the aim of easing up the sadness of a lost soul (forgive me if I'm wrong/but you look sad all alone/so give me a shot/cuz i could be/a dog to your bone/or something). I'm sure we've all been there TEED.

Enjoy this nostalgic yet avantgarde Hot-Chip-alike.



Released: 8th November 2010
Label: Greco-Roman
Link: guardian.co.uk Interview // myspace // last.fm // facebook

Single: Julio Bashmore - Chazm / Footsteppin' // Ten Thousand Yen

One half of production duo Velour and Bristol resident Julio Bashmore is back with his third solo release Chazm/Footsteppin’ on Ten Thousand Yen Records. First up is 'Chazm' which sees Julio step into his funky shoes, starting off with a kicking 4/4 bass drum riddled with hand claps and tribal drums. Julio throws in a dark swirling synth line that when drops is a definite eyes down moment for anybody on the dancefloor. On the flipside 'Footsteppin’' takes you into 2 step/garage territory with the intro sounding like it’s straight off Gold Panda’s cutting room floor. Bashmore adds the ever essential looping of female vocal and laid back garage rhythm.

Don’t sleep on this one folks as 'Chazm/Footsteppin’' is number 3 in a 5 part series of coloured and numbered 10” vinyl and is part of an exclusive 350 vinyl-presses, so don’t say we didn’t warn you! He's also lined up to do remixes for Mosca and The Martin Brothers in the near future, 2011 looks bright for Bashmore.

Enjoy!

Chazm


Footsteppin'


Released: 4th October 2010
Label: Ten Thousand Yen
Link: myspace //
Words: Simon Edwards

EP: Drums Of Death - Won't Be Long

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.



Released: 10th October 2010
Label: Greco-Roman Ltd
Link: official // myspace // last.fm // twitter // soundcloud // wikipedia
Words: Darcy Mitchell

Remix: Cassius - The Sound Of Violence (The Trickaz Remix)

An absolute classic here summed up by its dedication to the ideal of carnal urges. The remix brings it to the attention of the dubstep-obsessed youth of today. Modernising it, let's say. Still a phat chewn alert with little other information about it!

Enjoy :)

EP/Single: Cassius - I Love You So // Rawkers EP

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

Single Remix: Chris Coco - Summertime (Afterlife Remix)

Now then, the UK's summer was fleeting, disturbed and the usual anti-climax. That's when tunes can alleviate our obsession with our typically bad weather by taking our lackthereof sunshine's place - and some tunes lend a hand in radiating warmth, such as this stunner by Chris Coco. Though the Afterlife remix places emphasis on lightly dipped drum and bass, there remains a sense of calm, perfect for a bikini-clad dancefloor or beachy cocktails.

Enjoy.



And this be the original:



Released: 12th September 2010
Label: The Big Chill Label/PK Music Ltd

Link: Official Website // mySpace // wikipedia // Mixcloud - Radio Show

Remix: Jazzbit - Sing Sing Sing 2010 + Remixes

The original to this Jazzbit remix was recorded by Louis Prima way back when everything was black and white and this kind of sound was elemental in entertainment. Jazzbit, also known as duo Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP, follow up from 'We Speak No Americano' with much of the same elements; a swing jive, vintage vocals and an infectious bounce. This above is the Enzo Siffredi mix.

Do enjoy, won't you? :)

Released: 17th September 2010
Label: Lab Promotion snc|Millesuoni src
Link: Twitter //

New Tune: Haggstrom feat Terri Walker - Be My Baby // Champion Records

Big room beats and cutting edge synths make Haggstrom one of the biggest imports from Sweden since Ikea! The Champion Record folk are back with another sure fire hit, easy on the ears and on those tapping feet. With much radio and TV support, this should be up there in the dance charts when it's released on the 8th of November. Soulstress r'n'b singer Terri Walker provides vocals to top it all off. Plus, check out the link to Champion Records website to get a remix download for free!

Enjoy (and buy!)



Released: 8th November 2010
Label: Champion Records
Link: mySpace // Terri Walker Wiki // Champion Records Official

Tune Of The Week: Maddslinky feat Omar - Special

Maddslinky, more popularly known as Zed Bias, releases this soulful house beaut this week, featuring vocals from Omar. Bias is known for his penchant for providing vocal house that reflects a bit deeper than the average and this track is no different. Not to say that it lacks creativity or oomph, but subscribes to the Maddslinky brand. 'Special' is the first single from upcoming and much anticipated October album Make A Change - the lyrics are of overcoming obstacles and of achieving in life, spread smoothly over a UK funky bass line. What a TUNE OF THE WEEK!



As always, Newsicmoos are up on the remixes and the first one is by Toddla Toddla T. He injects a dirtier bassline with less emphasis on the soulful vocals. A very cool remix.




Released: 13th September 2010
Label: Tru Thoughts Ltd
Links: Zed Bias mySpace // Twitter.com/Zed_Bias

Single: Cicada - Your Love

Maybe it's my love for the original that makes me screw up my face at Cicada's attempt of this genre-defining anthem. They haven't done bad, a simple electro-pop update that projects appeal to both ravers and rockers alike. If you're going to remake an absolute classic, then be ready for obvious comparisons and here's one that separates both versions: the evocative emotion. There is a lack of it in Cicada's version, it doesn't generate that same sense of ecstasy. Still, a cool release and a welcome reminder to the original, posted below.

Released: 6th September 2010
Label: Critical Mass Recordings
Link: mySpace // Official Website // wikipedia //

**

This, the original. I bow down to you.

Relax and enjoy.

Tune: Aeroplane - We Can't Fly

The Belgian disco duo are setting an entirely new standard to summer tunes of frivolity, with this first single from their debut album We Can't Fly set to be released in September. This song shows that Aeroplane actually can fly and help us do the same through their cosmic nu-disco synth waves and squelching bass riffs, that could arguably be compared to any other electronic chill out tune. However, it's obvious that Aeroplane don't make just any other dance song. 'We Can't Fly' is spicy and flavoursome, with reggae percussion, gospel-like vocals and beachy riffs. Not to forget the piano. This single has the potential to cheer up any dwellers of the English summer by taking you on a round trip to the Caribbean; a seriously feel good summer vibe.

Enjoy.

This is a preview posted by the label on YouTube.

Released: 27th June 2010

Label: Eskimo Recordings / N.E.W.S. excl licence Wall Of Sound for UK/Eire.

Link: mySpace

Words: Charlotte Morris // charlotte_morris@hotmail.fr

Remix: Morcheeba - Even Though

Skye Edwards has reunited with the remaining two thirds of Morcheeba (Paul and Ross Godfrey), recapturing the essence of the original formation. 'Even Though' is the first single of their 7th album Blood Like Lemonade; it's fresh, chilled and cemented by Skye's raw vocals. The lyrics are touching, simply intimate without a feeling of being in too deep; first delving under your skin, then comforting.

Posted below and more fitting to the newsicmoos way of life is Surfing Leon's Afternoon Mix, which guards the very core of the original; its intimacy and warmth is attractive and merges with subtle hints of rolling electro. It begins eerily; the original sounds as if someone is breathing through an astronaut's helmet (Skye makes reference to space in the first verse), though the remix seems to have replaced this with an ominous sound of whistling wind. Surfing Leon mixes fast and choppy electro beats, not losing the laid back feeling through alternating slow piano chords. Perfect for what Ross Godfrey referred to as a "3am ...spliffed-out" moment. A pretty typical Morcheeba release and we're more than happy about it.

Released: 25th July 2010

Label: Morcheeba Partnership. excl licence by [PIAS] Recordings.

Link: morcheeba official // mySpace // wikipedia // Facebook

Words: Charlotte Morris // charlotte_morris@hotmail.fr

Single: Richard Grey feat Robin S - Bang

I hope your raving weekends have gone down in a delightfully dirty manner... and whether you're continuing your festivites on tonight or whether you just have no more dancing power left, here's a chewn for your judgment. If you like a bit of Defected house, this latest release features soul diva Robin S; along with her inimitable vocals is an emotive piano surge, an open-spaced instrumental that drops in to an epic steel-pan, balearic celebration.

What do you think?



Released: 19th July 2010
Label: Defected

TUNE ALERT: Alton Miller & Amp Fiddler - When The Morning Comes

Defected have once again delivered an absolute soul wrenching piece of the deepest house around. This below is the Boddhi Satva Ancestral Soul Remix, that injects more soul than the original. It's hard to come by such tunes in a genre that attracts heavy stompin' and dirty breaks.

Please, enjoy :)



Release date: 19th May 2010
Label: Defected Ltd
Link: http://www.defected.com

Single: Riva Starr feat Retorre - Splendido

Another fun, funkay, playful tune from the man Riva Starr.

Enjoy.

Release date: 27th June 2010
Label: Snatch! Records

Single/EP: Bonobo featuring Andreya Triana - Stay The Same

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.

Enjoy.