Manfredi Romano, who is better known as DJ Tennis, saunters in again from left field with another quirky release. Though his productions have been historically overshadowed by his sheer wizardry behind the decks and A&R prowess that fuels his Life and Death label, Romano delivers in a big way on the four-track, electro-themed Convex EP. The opening title track unfurls with woozy pads that build into a synth-led prog-dance romp brandishing a fat, undulating and undeniable bassline. “Last In First Out” is darker, heavier and the funkiest of the lot. The EP is rounded out by a pair of terrific collaborations: “Zilog” featuring Margot follows along an experimental path with a combination of squelching bottom-end and off kilter percussion, while “Punch Card” feat. Sebra Cruz is a meditative thanks to its cascading synth lines and hypnotic groove. The Convex EP unquestionably finds DJ Tennis on top of his game.
The debut Deeplife Records project from Surrey, England-based producer House of Praise (a.k.a. Gareth Dicks) is the Colours EP. The title track shines with a rainbow of sound across the sonic spectrum of house music with warmth, depth and a bright splash of soulfulness. The simple song structure keeps things uncluttered for the uplifting groove. “Serenity” offers an almost retro feel with chattering percussion, chiming layers, and big flourishes sweeping across the sky where the crystalline leads really sparkle. “My Feelings Run Deep” rounds out the release with an emotional ride, a distinctive bassline and trance-y synths. Piano keys take the lead and tickle their way down the backside for a strong finish. The beats-per run a bit faster than traditional deep-housers, but the Colours EP doesn’t live by labels or play by the rules.
After nearly three years of work, Sincopat patrón AFFKT is back with his sophomore LP Son of a Thousand Sounds. True to the name, the spinnin’ Spaniard brings together the best elements of house, techno, electronica, chill-out and more on this long-player of new bits and old hits.
Here’s a rapid-fire recap of the action (try to keep up):
The smooth into of “Dreamback” rolls out broken beats that grab the ear, and the sound is a nod to the extreme ways things played in the 1990s. “Oxi” is a deep and techy house groover that drops into a straight beat supporting smooth synths and atmospheric layers. We’ve been to “San Diego” before and the return trip hasn’t lost any of the fun energy. “Between Us” cools things down; it’s a perfect time out to take a breath among the gently pulsing basslines, tinkling synths, and layers of emotional ambience. “The Show” is worth the price of admission; the hook and poppy vocals by Sutja Gutierrez make this catchy electronica cut a winner. “Ikigai” presents an introspective intermission, a time to reflect upon what’s come before and to anticipate what’s ahead. “Flashcrash” is the second of three songs featuring Sutja Gutierrez. Hold on for this one; the melancholy vibe contrasts nicely with the upbeat vocal work. It’s good. It’s evil. It’s a bipolar bopper. “Boira” is a chiller that sounds like it was beamed down from the mothership to initiate First Contact. “Someone in the Sky” is another we’ve seen before; it’s got a gentle groove but lacks luster. “Mareny” is a more-than-minimal techy break; a great follow-up to “Sky.” “Ceniza” has a unique personality; it’s a blissful percussion-driven downtempo ride. Last up is “Esclafit,” another broken-beat downspin with stutters, thrumming pads and good vibrations. Great way to close the set!
The tracks can stand alone, but for full Zen effect you’ll want to put on the cans, sit back and just lose yourself to the journey.
Myles & Mike’s newest project “Let’s Get Started” (Deeplife Records) brings a grinding techy attitude to the floor. “Let’s Get Started” is all about the drum layers, atmospheric builds, and twangy bass playing beneath skittering percussion and punctuated with a digital duck call; it’s all about the quirky energy. “LFT” brings in heavy kicks and buzzing synth wings swarming and pulsing to an almost klaxon-like effect with water-drop percs and suggestive whispers. The pounding four-to-the-floor drops into a quick wave of broken beats before firing back up to speed on this techno treat.“Movement” is all about the interplay between the bassline and the chiming leads and stuttering grit of the power-tool attacks. Also included is the LFT DJ Tool, which is just what you’d expect. The pack is an underground contradiction of sorts; rough and smooth, deep and energetic, all at once. Brilliant work all-around from Myles & Mike. Diversity is key; this EP could bang both the dark peak-time dance floors or the deeper after-hours sets. Great stuff.
