Page 79 - Zone Magazine Issue 030 - Lexicon Avenue

//TUNES
HOUSE & TECHNO // John Ricketts john@zone-magazine.eu
TOP TUNE //
Various Artists - 3AM Wax Vol 3 [3AM Wax]
3AM returns for its 91st release. Once again it’s an outstanding selection of deep house, but all with a unique twist of their own. Kicking off the A-side is V.I.C.A.R.I, who eases us in with sultry chords and a bassline that you know is going to be the backbone of the track. As the groove builds and the drums take things away, the shuffling hihats, providing the rhythm whilst halfway through, the jazzy samples and licks are brought in giving the track a unique sound. Next up Adventures in Daydreams bring us “In the city”, with its smooth filtered synths and chunky snares, combined with a simple lead riff, it’s a firm nod back to deep house circa the late 90s. It’s a great groover, with a great live feel to it. Next Carlo Gambino joins forces with 3AM head honcho Al Bradley with “A nod to Alberto”. Lowering the energy levels slightly, and with its huge rounded kick drum its packs a punch from the get go. But it keeps its minimal feel with at the most maybe four main elements in play. It’s a great mid set number for the right dj. Finally the EP is closed off by Alixander III, with his experimental sound on “The Ritz” Taking things in a more electronica direction, with abstract percussion and a bassline that sounds like it was written on mars. A wonderful selection from a group of artists at the top of their game. https://www.deejay.de/Various_3am_Wax_Vol_3_TAM091_Vinyl__942127
Niko Maxen – Spolit for Choice EP [ROWLE]
Leeds based producer Niko Maxen is building a big name for himself. Following on from a string of previous releases on his own lables Pathway Traxx and OFFPath, Maxen has teamed up with the Vinyl only label, Rowle. Title track “Spoilt for choice” is classic deep house. A mature take on the classic Ibiza sunset vibes. The remix from Makcim and Levi take a completely fresh look at this track, opting for a darker and more underground tone. Snooze You Lose, with its glitchy and hypnotic melody is a perfect track for those 6am ravers. The EP closes with the Sublee remix with a bright progressive tech approach. An eclectic range of styles make this EP feel complete and versatile. The whole of the Rowle series is worth a look, not just musically but for the incredible artwork from Juli Jah. https://www.deejay.de/Niko_Maxen_Spoilt_For_Choice_EP_RWL004_Vinyl__932091
RECOMMENDED
Novablood – In the dark EP [Novablood Music]
Back again this issue, Novablood’s output sees no sign of letting up, with yet another quality release under their belt. For those not in the know, Mark Baker and Dave Beattie have been long time collaborators and from the early 2000s they teamed up producing vocal house anthems that garnered support from heavyweights in the house scene as well as fans across the globe.
Their debut release “Keep me in mind” was a heartfelt lament to lost love, whereas their follow up “9192” harked back to the golden era of rave. Their new EP is one full of energy, with the title track chock full of heavy arpeggiated bass and detuned vocals. Next up “Fascination” continues the house vibes, with a stripped back deep house feel. https://open.spotify.com/album/7tsjL5vgV1aDEGSL0InkMl?si=RyKtoOqxTSuw
Lehar ft. Rush Midnight - Number One Hero – Musumeci remix [2DIY4]
Italy’s Lehar has worked hard in the last few years making a name for himself and his unique brand of ambient progressive yet still powerful techno. Always with a strong sense of melody and meaning his productions have een gaining him the respect of a lot of heavy hitter and in turn some serious shows under his belt. The Musumeci remix of his new single featuring Rush Midnight aims things squarely at the dancefloor whilst cleverly keeping the sensitivity of the original. The deep arpegiated bassline, with the twinkling top synths allow a sense of space for the vocals to float through and the driving percussion to give the track energy.
https://pro.beatport.com/track/number-one-hero-feat-rush-midnight-musumeci-remix/7725081
Josh Baker – On the rollover EP [Tamango Records]
Since 2017, Josh Baker has steadily grown a following among fans and the people within the industry alike. “On the rollover” starts things off and is a full on percussive house groover. The hats and claps skip along nicely and the bass is solid and punchy. “Yaya” takes the title track on a darker direction, with oppressive stabs and blending more percussive elements into the mix. Next “Turbo Terry” is all about the sub bass, which will shake any dancefloor to its foundations. Combined with a kick that hits hard, catchy vocal snippets and smooth pads, it’s a great mid tempo track. Finally “Whats the name” goes into more experimental territory, with hints to Josh’s garage roots. Nice solid EP.
https://www.beatport.com/release/on-the-rollover-ep/2628729
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