SHA Review Roundup // Ovum Recordings / Leftroom / Freunde Am Tanzen / Bulletdodge / Audio Tonic
Tom Middleton // Space Steps [Ovum Recordings]
The legend that is Tom Middleton steps up with some real quality on Ovum recording. Hawkes Groove is a lovely, evolving groove underpinned with some punchy-standout bass. The layers keep coming and keep things hypnotic as the track progression and introduced chord changes take us upwards on this fitting tribute to Kenny Hawkes, who sadly passed last year.
Penrose Steps is instantly catchy and instantly in my record box as a standout tune for 2012. Rising bassline, checky bongos and direct darting beats are the order of the day. Again, it’s the layering here that takes this one up the levels and by the time the risers are flying over the break, it’s pure euphoria – Essential track!
Release Date: Out Now
Shall Ocin // Tribute To Summertime [Leftroom]
Having been touted by Jamie Jones and Seth Troxler as one of the tracks of the year on Radio 1, it’s great to say that Tribute to Summertime doesn’t let down in any way, shape or form.
It’s a beautifully written song that just happens to have a killer groove too – with tonnes of musicality and soul, which is a most welcome return to dance music.
The sincere and earnest vocals are superb from the off, with some delicate piano and wonderful arrangement. When we hit the harmonized vocals, and the bass drops, it’s a total delight.
It’s eyes-closed, immerse yourself happiness in its purest form and utter joy from start to finish. If you buy 1 track this month, this is it.
Release Date: Out Now
Douglas Greed // Kumpel Versionen [Fruende Am Tanzen]
Remixes of tracks from Douglas’ fine album, KRL, land on my desktop to be checked out. There’s some fine mixes on here, including Acid Pauli’s downtempo electronica and Mooryc’s bombastic mix.
My pick here though is Rundfunk 3000s remix of Shiver, which is a treasure of a track and is classy, classy stuff. There’s plenty of fine bass play and breathy keys with some delicious production touches throughout. A track to be played amongst friends and one that’ll be with me for some time warming my soul.
Release Date: Out Now
Denney // Kickback EP [Bulletdodge]
Although the remixes on this package are fine – it’s the brilliant Originals I have to focus on here. Title track Kickback is a jacking romp that borrows from the past without ever sounding contrived. The beat is irresistible and unstoppable with the tidiest of acid bass-lines dragging me in. All the percussion is layered and arrives just as it should, with the fills spot on too and by the time we’re being asked to ‘Rock the Discoteque’ – you will be too
Soest takes the opposite direction, with definite rock influences on the intro, with a Garnier-esque bassline creating a massive atmosphere as things build too. The pads rise massively with some lovely flourishes on the piano. When we hit the vocals on the break, it’s hands-in-air stuff and a smash at the break. Ace stuff from Bulletdodge.
Release Date: Out Now
Various // ADE Sampler [Audio Tonic]
A playful little sampler for Amsterdam’s electronic extravaganza, with five tracks from upcoming artists signed to the Dubai imprint, Audio Tonic. A couple of the tracks sound a touch clichéd, however there is much to be gleaned from a couple of stand-outs on show.
PothOles Piezo, is a 80s excursion done with style, no little skill and a smile on its face. This will definitely be a hit with those who enjoy a good night out and don’t take themselves too seriously.
Raxon is an artist I have enjoyed this year and Man on a Mission is my highlight of the pack here. Low slung and powerful beats and synths hit me as a distressed and spacey organ fills the air over this great arrangement. It’s powerful, direct and built to rock dance-floors – great stuff!
Release Date: Out Now
