Another nice track from Still Parade, AKA Niklas Kramer, whom I featured back in March. Both tracks come from the Fields EP, out now and available from Amazon [affiliate link].
ep review
EP Review: Just Come To Me - Joost Kumtome
Joost Kumtome (pronounced "Just come to me" apparently... See what they did there?) are a pair of electronic producers who are currently keeping their identity a mystery. The Just Come To Me EP marks their debut release, out on ALiVE on 12 May.
The concepts surrounding the release feel about as tired as the EP format itself - a stunted and meaningless name, purported anonymity likely to conceal little beyond names most people won't have heard of anyway...
Yet the music itself deserves ears. Everyone Knows opens the EP with a rough bass line led track that melds bruised vocal inflections with rave-y electronics and reverb drenched drum patterns. Better Believe It is the biggest track here - piano scattered across more heavy bass, synth strings and soulful vocal hooks like shady afternoons dappled with sunshine. Final track Release Valve follows a straight up deep house template, sounding like early 90s Masters At Work via the London orbital.
It feels like an insistent and catch-up collaboration between basement London and bumping loft parties in New York... Just Come To Me is enjoyable when consumed without the baggage that comes with the EP's desire to differentiate - you are better off just enjoying it for what it is.
Just Come To Me is release through ALiVE Recordings on 12 May, purchase the MP3 on Amazon.co.uk or preview the EP on Soundcloud above.
EP Review: Dimension E.P. - Paji
This new EP from Germany's Paji sees him teaming up with Kitt Ball's Juliet Sikora and the pair create an approachable, refined take on house.
That title track is polished and refined, both Paji and Sikora's production styles demonstrating an attention to detail in the snap and crack of the drum patterns. Electronic chords give the track a deep, moody sound and the vocal sparring lends the track a sassy edge. Dimention is minimal-esque in, the tough and slow sound cool but eminently accessible.
Lacerta backs the release and represents a solo production for Paji. A guitar lick gives the track a lightness that contrasts with some heavy beat work... And whenever I hear guitars in dance music like this I can never understand why they are so rare. Sexy as hell.
Dimension E.P. is out through Kittball now.
EP Review: Handprints / Glitterall - Eagles For Hands
Brighton's James Ross appears to have a bit of momentum, having already remixed the likes of Laura Mvula and Naughty Boy. Last summer he released two free EPs (Hot Telescope and Lisbon) but this double A-side represents his first official release, and it is an absolute gem.
Handprints is a glorious celebratory slab of percussive electronic music that layers vocals samples together to create hypnotic melodies. There is a lightness to the production, crisp drums and hollow bass giving the track a warm, inclusive feel.
Glitterall contrasts with a moodier soundscape, synths and crashing chords creating a more dramatic sense of scale. In contrast to the short-skirted pleasure of Handprints it feels epic, but it remains tasteful and restrained all the same.
Handprints / Glitterall has the unmissable sense of now that marks out The Range's best work. More please.
Handprints / Glitterall is out now on Space + Time Records, order from Amazon.co.uk on MP3 [affiliate link].
Dreamroof - Van Pi
EP Review: Dreamroof - Van Pi
This new release marks the debut from Van Pi, a collaboration between Peter Rutten and Ivo Schmetz of Amsterdam. Dreamroof was created in collaboration with Dutch actress and singer Anna Speller, who provides the smooth and appropriately dreamy vocals.
The original version has a slightly spacey feel - warm bass lines and sparkling synths, combined with the vocals the result has a slightly Ballearic, sun-kissed vibe. Dreamroof represents the first release in Basserk's Domestic Bleeps series, which is focused on putting out electronic music for at home listening.
Along with an instrumental version the EP features three remixes. The AuxilIary tha Masterfader remix layers the vocal with a thick 90s R&B style bass line and snappy reverb heavy drums to great affect, giving the track a punchy and sassy feel. Hamertje Tik gives the track a big room feel, creating a uplifting house track but stripping out most of the vocals - it's accessible but feels a little obvious compared to everything else here. The Kratos Himself remix also strips back the vocals but keeps the synths and adds a more complex rhythm to give more of a dub.
Whilst the overall package is fairly modest Dreamroof is a decent enough intro to the Domestic Bleeps concept and the Auxiliary tha Masterfader mix is a worthy reason to check out the release.
Dreamroof is out now through Basserk, available from Amazon.co.uk on MP3 [affiliate link]. Check out the video below, and the Auxiliary the Masterfader remix further down:
