Page 55 - Zone Magazine Issue 020

john.ricketts@zone-magazine.com \\ TUNES
Ben Rau – Ad Astra/ Do your thing [Inkal Music] [Tech-house]
The previous 2 releases on Ben Rau’s own Inkal Music imprint have been so successful, that multiple represses still haven’t catered for the massive demand for them. He now releases his new double a-side with the same idea. “Ad Astra” is a masterclass in his trademark glitchy, “not by the numbers” drums. Everything feels loose and has the groove. The bassline is solis and synths’ filters are gently opened and closed to add to the movement. The breakdown is all about the soft, gentle synths being brought in and built up before everything kicks back in. “Do your thing” is a peak time deep tech number, with a nice bouncy bassline and pumping drums fitting together perfectly. The vocal is perfect for the track, being used just enough. The acid line slowly brought in gives the energy levels a boost to keep things rolling nicely.
https://www.deejay.de/Ben_Rau_Ad_Astra_Do_Your_Thing_INKAL003_Vinyl__282870
Matthieu Faubourg – Scenario EP [Pulse Music ] [House]
The 4th release from Pulse Music sees Matthieu Faubourg, the French producer making waves in the house and tech house scene. “Scenario” is full of energy with a floaty arpeggio and pumping drums. The vocal sample and main riffs are used often enough but sparingly at the same time to give the track its identity. “Yaret” brings things down a notch, and we go into deep house territory. Smooth chords and a chunky bassline are the order of the day here. Then the steccato piano riff kicks in and we’re off, with phasing synths being layered perfectly, the production is top notch. Next “Echoes in the night “, rounds off the 3 originals and takes a more experimental direction, with an arpeggiated riff forming the basis of the track, before a beautiful and delicate breakdown brings things to a complete stop before again the vocal samples and stabs are slowly and thoughtfully brought in, building the tension, before being released. Finally, Black Loops take on the title track, and give it some serious attitude. Beefing up the drums and giving it a heavyweight bassline, they really put their stamp on it. A solid release all round and looking forward to more coming from this obviously talented producer.
https://www.deejay.de/Matthieu_Faubourg_Scenario_Ep_PMSC004_Vinyl__292638
RECOMMENDED
Oscar Barila & Sebb Junior - Sync Spirit EP
[Cyanide] [Tech-house]
Following on from releases on Plastic City and Kings Street, Oscar Barila brings his unique brand of house music to his own Cyanide imprint. Title track “Sync Spirit” is a no messing around straight up house number. Erring towards the deeper end of the spectrum, but this will fit into a peak time set as well as a warm up easily. The vocal cuts and filtered synth stabs all sit together perfectly, and the drums complete the groove perfectly. Sek takes up remix duties on the title track, and takes things in a more Chicago direction, as opposed to the New York style of the original. Giving the drums more of a tech feel and generally just making it a bit more grimy. After this “Sorry” brings things down and we go for a deep, soulful feel. With filtered pianos and soaring vocals over the top of an almost jazzy bassline. Finally “A touch of class” bring the energy back up whilst staying with the deep house feel. Every track from this EP you can see being played by a lot of djs in the clubs and bars in New York, and rightly so, further afield.
https://www.deejay.de/Oscar_Barila_%26_Sebb_Junior_Sync_Spirit_Ep_CYANOVER04_Vinyl__291959
Yann Polewka – Toute la vie EP [Roots for bloom] [Drum & Base & House]
Based out of western France, the influences of Chicago house and Detroit techno are evident here, on Yann Polewka’s debut release on Roots for Bloom. Opening with “Tour La Vie Pour S’aimer”, is a feel good filtered house track. With a serious nod to the late 90s and early 2000s, the disco feel is all over this, with the vocal sample being filtered in and out. The drums are solid, and the bass punchy. This has summer written all over it. “All I dooo” keeps the filtered French house feel but takes things a bit deeper. “Luv me baby” has a jazzier feel, with a short piano and guitar loop being used as the hook, its repetitive, but never boring. It has the groove just right. Finally, “All around” throws a curveball and heads off in a liquid drum and bass direction and is a fine finisher. Great release. https://www.deejay.de/Yann_Polewka_Toute_La_Vie_Ep_RFBR019_Vinyl__283084
East end dubs – Hope/Haze [East end dubs] [Minimal Tech-House]
Despite DJ’ing for over 2 decades, East End Dubs is finally making his mark on the minimal techno scene. Headline slots at Fabric may well be helping, but he’s been self-releasing vinyl cuts of his own style of dub influenced house, with many of them becoming highly sought after. “Hope” kicks things off with a perfect blend of groove and function. The repeating bass and snappy drums keep things rolling. This is late night stuff. “Haze” ramps things up and takes things in a deep house direction. Both tracks would fit well into most DJ sets of this style. Get it whilst you can.
https://www.deejay.de/East_End_Dubs_Hope_Haze_EEDV012_Vinyl__296648
ESSENTIALDANCEMUSIC 55
8
9
9
8
9