Courtesy of Jon Freer (mosoul.co.uk) here are twenty reviews of available and soon to be released 12″es (sorry no cover shots or tracklistings this time):
Syclops – The Fly (TIRK)
Musical maniac Maurice Fulton returns with a typically warped pair of rump-shakers, released under his one-eyed mythological guise. “The Fly” sees screeching insectile synths whirr over dense drums and heavy metal type chords. At 33rpm, “Nelson’s Back” is a peculiarly synthed and comatose keyed stoner, whereas wound up to 45 (-8), it takes on the appearance of an unstoppable bass squelcher.
RightKindaWrong – Album Sampler (Rainy City Music)
Northern Neo-Soul is the flavour of this lavish album sampler from RightKindaWrong, which follows in the footsteps of their incredulous “Why U?” These tracks aren’t really instant aural gratifiers, but repeat listens reveal their strength and addictive qualities. “Lately (Laters Mix)” wonders out loud, sitting on a bed of ear catching keys and imposing bass licks, whilst cutesy harmonicas get their say on the ‘After 8′ version. “I Like U” is a buttery true soul come on, as “Time 2 Play” places Plantlifeesque vocals against a sombre musical support. Coarse bassonics meet on “Sometimes”, where vocalist Miss Gilson indicates her state of mind, whilst “Ruffy Tuff” is a murky bassed number.
Phuturistix feat. Fyza – Fly Away (Phuture Lounge)
Phuturistix bring us a beautifully smooth slice of fractured soul, which is the premier offering from the Manc crew’s new album. Breathtaking key floatiness, a crawling bass and knocking percussion sit dreamily under Fyza’s enticing vocals on the original. Mark De Clive-Lowe provides a complimentarily aggressive refit, where at peace keys give way to vulgar bass work and savage beats.
Kayot – Clear Sky (Buzzin’ Fly)
Moscow’s Kayot unleashes his sparkling debut on Buzzin’ Fly, which features a simply gorgeous sun-soaked downbeat number, alongside the storming technoid A Side. Sharp pronged beats, confused keys and bass twinkles meet on the original of “Clear Sky”, with Manoo & Francois A giving the track a tripped out pummelling keyed revision. The outstanding bonus cut, “One Week On Cuba”, lets laboured key expressions take centre stage, as relaxed waves and muffled conversational strands drift out into the ether.
Unknown – Feelin’ Good / No Reply At All (Beatdown)
Philly’s reverential Housers get on the illegitimate mix tip, bringing listeners these couple of naughty yet nice touch ups. The admirable “Feelin’ Good’” gives an optimistic Jazz Queen the dancefloor treatment, as her fragile tones sweep over wise keys and brass rattles. “No Reply At All” brings in a broken soul diva to place her helpless vocals over bewitching keys and a bass of mystery.
Bugz In The Attic – Once Twice / Sounds Like (V2)
Them Bugz are back in action as a conglomerate, after spending 2005 doing solo missions and working in other affiliations. Head straight for the pulverising bass shrieker entitled “Sounds Like”, which is guaranteed to cause dancefloor pandemonium. Flip for “Once Twice”, an animated key warmer, which is a little close to the mighty “Nervous Track” for comfort.
Lindstrom – Another Side Of Lindstrom (Outergaze)
Hans-Peter Lindstrom blesses the ever-reliable Outergaze imprint with an EP of wiggling cosmic disco and future house flavours, which represents a compilation of his early works. Spacey wide-eyed grooves are the order of the day on this attention-holding release. “Take Me To The Metro” is the pick here, courtesy of its crazily electrifying strings, ice-cool bass guitar and bright jazzed out keys. “Juazza” sees listen to me keys, forward beats and considerate guitars combine in a startling manner. “Eeey” has an impenetrable bass, which deflated beats, slow breathing keys and groovesome guitars sit upon. Spacey fun for all.
Coldcut – Man In A Garage (Ninja Tune)
Coldcut go all folky on us, with this ode to getting a quick mechanical fix. Pointed beats, folkily vibed guitars and frustrated vocals come together rather nicely on the original. Bonobo adds energy rich percussion and brings out the guitar flourishes on his retouch, whilst the Lemon Jelly mix sits stunning guitars upon threatening bass work.
Example – I Don’t Want To / Loneliness Costs (All The Chats)
Example is a London based lyricist, whose enviable way with words is reinforced by his clever delivery. “I Don’t Want To” hovers between the sublime and the banal, as Example relays the difficulties of getting involved with a controlling lady, over robust beats and a cringeworthy sample. However, “Loneliness Costs” is the real deal, as tormented strings and distressed keys meet behind Example’s tale of imploring a friend to change their destructive ways.
Liquid People pres. Danism feat. Monique Bingham – Glance, Look, Stare (MN2S)
Compelling NY vocalist Monique Bingham isn’t afraid to speak her mind, as this startling collaboration with Danism shows. Bingham recalls the thrill of meeting a new love, backed by nimble beats and shifting in seat off-colour keys. The instrumental lets the show-off keys fly over travelling chords and smart beats.
Rithma – Here Now (Shakedown)
Worship launch their Shakedown imprint with a three tracker from the ever-consistent Rithma. First up is the jazzmatazz of “Here Now”, where jiving beats, groovy little key shakes and excitable brass have the fun. “How We Do It” is a crazily keyed jumper, whilst the wonderful “How Insensitive” makes space for a rugged bass and tight keyonics.
Rick Preston & DTC feat. Ras D – The Magnet (Worship)
The God fearing Worship wheels rumble on, this time inviting Rick Preston to contribute his musical ideas. “The Magnet” flips vocal pronouncements over tough beats and a committed bass. The ‘Dubwise Mix’ is dominated by swimming basstronics, which envelop level headed beats and homely key licks.
Swimmingpool – Black Barry (Combination)
Swimmingpool make thought-provoking electronic compositions, which blend various styles with ease. “Black Barry” is a lovely synthilating cut, with wonderful key touches, quick-marching beats and sweet bass pushes. Beats chip away at the surface of “Carpet Sweeper”, as happy with life keys stagger along in a daze.
Sugar Daddy – Love Honey (TIRK)
Tom Findlay and Tim Hutton hook up for some plain, yet easy to consume, disco based revelry. The ‘Electro’ mix watches simple keys dance alongside an abrasive bass and simple beats, whilst a carried away key display drenches hurt vocals on the ‘Acid’ version. Synth tinkering and bass guitar groovations colour the ‘Funk’ touch-up.
Moses McClean feat. Diamond Temple – Always (Soul Groove)
The ever consistent Soul Groove crew come correct with another soul embodying Houser, this time giving Moses McClean’s “Always” the polish it deserved. Accommodating keys meet expressive vocals on the Soul Groove vocal version, whilst true keys, guitar tinkering and bass loveliness come to the fore on their instrumental mix.
Richard E – Hear Me Now (Further Out)
Richard E delves further into the musical undergrowth on this EP, which follows the little 7″ he released on his own Further Out imprint a while back. Strained synths, melodious vocal offerings and stop-start guitars provide the conversation on “Hear Me Now”. “Dig Infinitt” blows a whispy flutes over a winding bass, as shaken vibraphones and heavenward gazing keys meet on “Dream Bossa”. “Comin’ A Find Ya” asks string questions, with embracing keys and an odd bass providing the answers.
Silicone Soul – Inferno (Soma)
Silicone Soul bring us the last single from their “Staring Into Space” album, which has been revisited in style by the Dirt Crew. The original is dominated by unfriendly synths and rolls along at a pace, but the Dirt Crew turns up the thermostat a notch or two, courtesy of guitar grittiness and a smokin’ bass.
Audiomontage – Fun Kit EP (Freerange)
Freerange continue their enviable release schedule with another banging House effort from label boss, Jamie ‘Jimpster’ Odell. “Fun Kit” is exactly that, with excitable keys throwing the moves over hittin’ beats and a lively bass. “Bounce 2 The Ounce” in original form is an electrified key mover, whilst the ‘Squelch Mix’ sees a filthy bass let rip over hard nosed synths and chiming keys.
Natasza & Oscarsix – Demaged Milk (PE! Music)
This retro-toned three tracker shows that Polish technified House lovers PE! Music can compete with the big boys. “Demaged Milk” places mean sounding keys over smart beats and carried away bass groovings. “From The Old School” looks back, as hard-hitting beats, athletic chords and likeable keys hook up for the party. “Electronic Ride” is weighed down by a heavy bass, which moves under bright keys and synth lurve.
Computerman – No More Broken Hearts (Must Destroy)
Synth-loving indie boys Computerman bring forward their first release, entitled “No More Broken Hearts”. The title track is a mass of pleasing guitar work, posing keys and gritty bass work. “Watch More Television” almost shouts at the listener to spend more time observing and less time thinking, whilst lost vocals stumble over exposed keys and a jagged bass on “No_Recover (Demo)”.











