Archive for February, 2015
This imprint wears its heart on its sleeve, so to speak – it’s French, it’s a limited edition 12″ series, it’s deep house. If that’s what you’re into, these are collections that tick all the boxes: deep, slinky sounds, big basslines, bumpity kicks and shakers. This record is no exception to that standard. And this is [&hellip[ READ MORE ]
French friend and collaborator of Christopher Rau, Jacques Bon strikes out on his own again here with a sophomore EP for Mule Musiq Japan. He stays light on his toes, this nimble house music is much in the airy style of Smallville’s releases – gentle pulsing melodies and bells dominate a tentative bassline on Ciel [&hellip[ READ MORE ]
RYMD Records makes its first release with a two-tracker from London’s Emotion. Home to a couple of tough bare landscapes, this EP is pretty straightforward in terms of drums and percussion and leans towards its harder, almost acidic characteristics. The record reminds me of a couple of Styles Upon Styles releases; it carries a similarly [&hellip[ READ MORE ]
Boogie Munsters Tim Zawada and Chef Ben usher in the first release on their newly conceived label Star Creature. This 7″ EP features the work of Bay Area artist E. Live in the form of two carefree cuts. “Everybody and “Be Free” straddle new and old vibes, offering a modern interpretation of disco, boogie, and [&hellip[ READ MORE ]
A late review for this late 2014 release is at least in part credit to an artist who has been remarkably prolific. Beau maybe launches an eponymous imprint with a self-titled or untitled album, full-cover artwork with scant information and a dozen tracks… it’s a typically opaque approach for a Chicago-resident who has found himself [&hellip[ READ MORE ]
More music from the midwest via the UK – this time Detroit-reppin’ legendary DJ and label boss DJ Bone launches his Differ-ent project with a 2 track EP. Perhaps confusingly, Differ-ent seems like it could be a new moniker for him, but here instead it is used as the track and release title, and the [&hellip[ READ MORE ]
On this 12″, various artists rework material from Achterbahn D’Amour’s 2014 album, Odd Movements. The source material was culled from a 2-disc LP soaked in acid-stained synth lines, each remix here tones down those elements drastically, revealing a much different perspective. Similarly to the in the original song, Marcellus Pittman opens his remix with analog [&hellip[ READ MORE ]
UK-based Boe records has included 2 Chicago underground talents in their latest installment of the compilation series. Chicago Deep and Taelue from Perpetual Rhythms recordings branch out from their local output and drop ocean-deep tunes across the pond. Chicago Deep’s Star Struck jams a minor-key electro arpeggio over deeply moody atmospherics and a driving raw [&hellip[ READ MORE ]
Former Chicago resident and one-third of audioJazz, Bryan Bai-ee releases a solo effort on his jointly-founded label. The original version of Bai-ee’s “How Deep” is a straightforward, yet subdued club groove. It’s centered around airy pads, syncopated bass, and a delayed sample of 90’s group Dru Hill. Side A closes out with an instrumental version [&hellip[ READ MORE ]
Jay Caston’s Material Image imprint strikes again with another four-track EP, brimming with ideas and dusty charm. Maxine & Cleo claim Philadelphia and Kansas City, and seem to be new or at least keeping a low profile. Either way, their gritty productions show some depth and a rooted approach that will appeal to deeper dancefloors. [&hellip[ READ MORE ]