Martyn‘s back with a new split on Berlin’s Ostgut Ton. Whilst I was slightly let down by At Great Lengths, Martyn’s full album, it was only because I had come to expect so much from this Chicago based Dutch producer. Miniluv luckily confirms my beliefs in Martyn as an excellent producer and someone to expect more great things from.
From nowhere to, as Resident Advisor puts it “UK bass music’s hottest acts”, SBTRKT (subtract) has certainly made a splash in a relatively short time. Even though he’d been producing for well over 10 years, it’s only recently that things started to pick up for the Londoner who’s been outed as Aaron Jerome. Aaron tried to keep his identity a secret at first, hiding behind an African tribal mask of sorts, explaining to RA that he’d rather “people base their opinions on if they love, like or dislike the music that I make. Not on me”.
He’s been busy here and there in the past, picking up some reworks for LTJ Bukem and Nithin Shawney, but part of his recent success seems to stem from a friendship with fellow dj and producer Sinden. The two knew each other personally, but Aaron had been sending Sinden tracks under his SBTRKT moniker without revealing his real identity. It’s only when Sinden booked SBTRKT for a gig in London’s Fabric, that he discovered who he really was.
His first White label mash ups of Goldie’s Timeless and Innercity life put him in the spotlight. From there on things have picked up speed for SBTRKT, who’s put out remixes for Basement Jaxx and Franz Ferdinand, and has future releases pending on Young Turks, Brainmath and Ramp Recordings.
This track, One Week Over, from the 2020 EP out on Brainmath, encompasses what I love so much about this producer: crossing boundaries and pigeonholes, this track tastes like several different things at the same time. Everyone from Mary Anne Hobbs to Giles Peterson have sat up and taken notice, so be sure to keep your ears peeled for things to come from this masked producer.
Nottingham based Lone has had a solid run on the awesome Werk Discs label alongside Actress and Lukid. This remix he did for Planet Mu new signee Solar Bears just oozes with atmosphere. Lone makes the track his own with his signature joyful melodies and uptempo beats, resulting in a sort of happy dance floor Boards of Canada (if you can imagine such a thing? – if not, check the track!).
Extra: Lone – Once in a while
Another less recent Lone track that you’ve probably heard in some sets or radio shows.
If I tell you that Flying Lotus signed this guy for an EP later this year on his Brainfeeder label, then you already know what to expect. As with Flylo, Mono/Poly‘s stuff is wonky, a bit off-beat but still retains that head-nodding flavour reminiscent of funk and jazz.
Mono/Poly’s debut album, Paramatma, will be released May 25th on Tasteful Licks Records, whilst Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder label will put forth an EP later this year.
Another track featured on Fabric’s Elevator Music, Starkey‘s Black Monolith is a bass heavy track layered with some very dramatic melodies. It’s relentless build up has an almost cinematic feel to it, and really carries the atmostphere. Starkey‘s been a bit hit or miss for me lately, but this one is bang on target.
Some pumping minimal Detroit techno for you, from Underground Resistance co-founder Robert Hood. Released on the Belgian Music Man Records back in 2007, this banger just picks up with the beat and doesn’t let down over the course of 7 minutes. If you like driving basslines and trance-like continuity, then this is right up your alley.
Fresh from the Mount Kimbie remixes, this one featuring on part 1, comes ‘At Least’ remixed by Instra:Mental.
Note: Mount Kimbie will play live in Brussels on the Recyclart Summer Festival! RSVP now on Facebook.
An incredible track by London’s Floating Points dating back a year or so. It’s not fresh of the presses, but it sure as hell sounds fresh as ever. Originally released with a male vocal, this extended dub version just sounds so much better without the vocal. It’s rich and colourful housy melody just gives you that instant feel-good. I just can’t help but smile when I hear this.
Tokimonsta gives us a preview of what to expect from her upcoming EP with a short mix of a couple of clips. The EP is out April 29th on Ramp Recordings. I’m really digging the first track in the mix.
This rolling bassdriven track featured on Fabric’s first Elevator Music compilation earlier this year. Whilst the compilation is full of goodies, this one is definately a favorite. It reminds of some early 90s techno, playing in a warehouse. It’s got that resonating echo that seems to bounce of the walls, filling the room with a warm sound you just can’t sit still on. And it just keeps on building up, never slowing down for a drop, never releasing it’s grip, only to come up with a melody somewhere 3 minutes into the track, taking you even further into this trip. I could lose myself completely to this one on a night out. Play it loud.
Nice pick, and great writeup too. It really sounds exactly as it reads, reads exactly as it sounds.
emdjee 20:32 on August 10, 2010 Permalink
This one is also on Ben Klocks new mix cd Berghain 4!
Looooove it!