TONY LIONNI - HIGHER GROUND [126bpm]

This track is utterly hypnotic.

Imagery can easily be linked to the album artwork, setting the tone for the entire EP.  The listener can imagine preparation for flight, or take-off into another realm.  With pounding bass from the very start, Tony Lionni sets the tone for the ride.  Every loop is added cautiously, from the percussion to the vocals; a step-by-step process that is often rushed but executed beautifully here.

Other tracks on the “Higher Ground EP” include a disco-tinged, subtle banger entitled “Forever is a Long Time.” Also included is Moomin’s softly-stated remix of today’s track.

This is now available from Freerange Records, (home to the likes of Jimpster), and absolutely not to be missed. Listen to some fresh mixtapes from Tony Lionni on his SoundCloud, and always:

.::do:work.show:love::.

CDBL - GANGSTA’S ANTHEM [130bpm]

This is officially my new hood anthem.

I was so stoked to see these guys pop up in my feed today, and beside myself to hear them drop an absolutely massive original track.  This one has a stronghold on the listener the moment it drops; building tension with the hood vocals, then leading into an ethereal buildup that this duo has truly mastered.

It’s got all the makings of a 2012 classic; from the rolling bass and that throwback vibe to the forward-thinking, enthralling 130bpm tempo. The production is spot-on, and will surely murder dancefloors across the globe.

Since they were first featured here with their ultra-glowing track “I Need You” last year, they’ve made some big moves. With their Vices EP on the amazing Squelch And Clap, and plenty of remixes under their belt, they’ve now joined forces with Orlinzoo Music. February 13th will see the release of of their Feels So Good EP, and it’s not to be missed. 

Be sure to follow the guys (separately known as Comix Del Biagio and Ben Lambs) on SoundCloud, get stoked for the release, and as always:

.::do:work.show:love::.

***THE DOLLAR BIN***

GEORGIE PORGIE - I’M IN LOVE (UBQ’S ORIGINAL MIX) [123bpm]

I am so excited to present this new section of the blog to all of you.

Here I’ll be taking it back, way back, into my personal collection of vinyl.  If you know me, you know that the larger portions of my time and income are put into vinyl; the hunt for gold, especially in the dollar bins of my local record shops. This section will have a focus on house music, of course, between the years of 1992 -1996.

These have all been personally ripped from vinyl, and digitized for your listening pleasure.

The first peek into my collection will be Georgie Porgie, with the bigger-than-life dancefloor killer remix from the amazing UBQ. More info on this release can be found here on Discogs. I’m thinking the music will speak for itself today.

Really hope you all enjoy this new endeavor, and I’m so looking forward to weekly features. Friday seems to be a good day for this, don’t you think? Much love, everyone.

C.R.S.T - WHAT I WANT (FT. JESSY ALLEN) [128bpm]

These guys provide only the freshest.

An absolutely massive, and strikingly classic UKG track from the boys of C.R.S.T. has arrived, including vocals from mysterious new girl Jessy Allen.

This is straight 90’s vibes, and Jessy’s passionate vocals are the icing on the cake.  C.R.S.T.’s signature sound can still be heard loud and clear; working with strong, low tones that dabble in the realm of bassline, but keeping the dancefloor exhilarated with powerful two-step percussion.

The Zed Bias remix of this track will be available on limited-edition colored vinyl from Valve Records, while this original track will remain digital-only. Coupled with “Pressure,” a more aggressive attack on garage, this EP is pretty perfect. Keep an eye out for the drop early this month, and check out more from the guys of C.R.S.T. And, as always:

.::do:work.show:love::.

MOODTRAP - OUT OF TIME [122bpm]

You need to wait for the moment at 3:24 when everything drops, the world stops, and nothing but the bass and vocals are left. And we’re all peaking.

This is the point in the party where tired eyelids lift, people raise from their seats and hurriedly rush to the dancefloor out of not only curiosity, but anticipation for the drop. And the drop is well worth it.

Moodtrap is a mysterious duo of well-known producers who wish to remain anonymous at this time.  The moniker was specifically crafted for Tsuba’s record label.  Their “Body to Body EP” was recently dropped, and quickly followed by this seemingly digital-only release.

This 3 track EP takes techno (a dirty word to some) into realms I hadn’t thought imaginable. With hints of UK bassline, and even grime, we might be able to narrow down the producers’ identity. But it’s not about that, obviously. It’s about the music. 

Be sure to check out the roster of talent on Tsuba Records, and keep your eye out on Moodtrap in 2012. As always:

.::do:work.show:love::.

MICHAEL IMPERIAL - NICOLE [124bpm]

I’m kind of smitten by this guy.

The album artwork leads you to expect pop music, and then he gives us this instead. A minimally percussive, heavily bass-laden track with unabashedly lush vocals.

I personally think it’s pretty clever to go ahead and name the track after the artist the vocals have been sampled from. It’s almost humble; like he understands that the music world is rife with R&B vocal samples, but believes in and loves the production enough to dedicate it to its origin.

Each track on the EP doesn’t bother to hide in shadows of splicing or pitch-control, either. Instead they are embraced.

But honestly, where is this guy’s press? His debut 6 track EP doesn’t have a single song worth skipping, and actually deserves to be heard. Go pay a measly $5 for it on his BandCamp page, and follow on his SoundCloud. As always:

.::do:work.show:love::.

STEVE MURPHY & CO. - WIND MASTER [120bpm]

Did y’all feel that? Yeah, me too.

Only five seconds in, and the wind’s intensity has been made audible through this glowing deep house track. It feels like I’m dancing inside of a windmill.

Steve Murphy & Co., with their Wind City EP, have created a thematic masterpiece. Printed on luminous turquoise, hand-stamped vinyl, the sky-bound dreamscape is presented. Next comes the noise, as they continue to showcase the powerful element of air with organic textures and moods within each of the four tracks.

Highly dance-able and equally heavy, this EP shouldn’t go unheard. It’s the first imprint on newly established Chiwax label (what appears to be a sub-label of DBH Music), which is meant to be testament to the Chicago house aesthetic. You can hear the forthcoming record on the DBH SoundCloud, and see what Steve Murphy (aka Mattia Effe) has to offer here. As always:

.::do:work.show:love::.

RONI BE & TOM LUSTIG - SOMEWHERE IN SANTORINI [122bpm]

Someone once described progressive house to me as “all bulid-up, no breakdown.”

That brand of progressive house exists, but not in this track.

Instead, Roni Be creates a solid, outstanding groove, which is beautifully coupled with Tom Lustig’s intense vocals. The work that was done with sub-bass is phenomenal, and meticulous to say the least.  Leave it to say, as usual, if you’re listening to this on your laptop speakers, you’re doing it all wrong.

LOK Records has a pretty dope roster of talent, all exploring new areas of deep, progressive house.  Although their artwork appears to be vinyl-based, this is an all-digital label. You can follow their SoundCloud for future tracks, and check out the rest of Roni Be’s beats here. And, as always:

.::do:work.show:love::.

CHAOS IN THE CBD - I’M LOSING YOU [124bpm]

It will be nearly impossible for anyone to top the compilation that French label Youngunz has created this year.

With original tracks from heavy-hitters like French Fries and Bambounou, just to name a few, I’m officially taken aback.  All of the tracks are deep explorations of house, with huge bass and huge emotion.

Ben & Louis Helliker-Hales, who comprise Chaos in the CBD, have been steadily gaining momentum for some time now, and I might go so far as to say that they’ve peaked with their contribution to this compilation. Soulful vocal samples are on point, and not generically manufactured, rather cautiously placed and deeply felt. The perfect tempo and meticulous production combine to make a perfect song.

Trust me when I say you need this compilation; it’d be depressing if you spent the rest of they year without it.  Available from most digital outlet hubs, but especially this one.  Go show some love for the boys of Chaos in the CBD, and don’t take your eyes off of Youngunz’s website. 

ADAM STRÖMSTEDT - FEEL [127bpm]

I forgot that I live for this shit.

I forgot that the movement, the virtue, the soul of house music is bigger than the mediocrity, the routine, the fear of everyday life.

Give me repetition. Give me build up. Give me vibration.

Give me meaning.

I just don’t care. Don’t give a fuck about anything but this.

This shit right here. 

The first release on Junkyard Connections exemplifies those sentiments. Adam Strömstedt’s B-side is a gorgeous, uplifting, deeply felt house track. It’s one that reminds you where you came from, why you’re still listening, and why you can’t imagine life without.

I really can’t believe this hasn’t sold out yet. A limited pressing of 250 made by people who understand the art of DIY music. Copies are still available here, and if you never want to lose touch again, you’ll follow Junkyard Connections and Adam Strömstedt. Check out their second release by Hannes Netzell, which was featured here a few months back. And, as always: 

.::do:work.show:love::.

ENCHANTE - KISS ME [140bpm]

…Wait, did he just fuckin’ do that? Yes. Yes he did.

This is a new level in sampling. It feels like this guy is saying “Yeah, I sampled that shit. But watch this shit.” He doesn’t even bother taking the vocals for the main portions. Instead he reminds the dancefloor of the original, then takes the track right where he wanted it.

At a pounding 140bpm, this is a dancefloor killer. Finally getting a vinyl release on newly founded Crazy Way Trax, it’s been matched with tracks sampling R. Kelly, Charlie XCX, and more that need to be discovered to be fully realized.

This is a vinyl-only release, and you’re gonna be pretty bummed when it sells out. Go ahead and order it before it’s too late. Check out the rest of these tunes available on Enchante’s SoundCloud, and, as always:

.::do:work.show:love::.

ELEK - SHE’LL NEVER LEAVE [129bpm]

This should probably only be played at 4am in basements of warehouses on the outskirts of cities. It’s the song that makes you stay, right when you thought your night was over.

The rawness is unreal. You can feel the percussion in your bones; it’s tangible, gritty, and as emotional as the vocals that surround it. By the time it’s over, you may realize that you were stuck in a trance for five minutes, and want the feeling back. 

I can’t speak more highly for the work this guy is doing. With little to no information, social networking or shameless self promotion, it’s easy to simply be satisfied with his offerings on SoundCloud.  I love the direction he’s heading, and can’t wait to hear more. As always:

.::do:work.show:love::.

.::DRAMATICS::.

A Leaving Scene Mixtape

[129bpm]

DOWNLOAD

TRACKLIST:
1. Disclosure - Flow
2. Mike G - Disco Radio
3. Brenmar - Let Me Know (5kinandbone5 & Vin Sol Remix)
4. A1 Bassline - Falsehood
5. Boddika & Joy Orbison - Swims
6. MikeQ - Let It All Out 2012
7. Goldlines - Goldman VIP
8. Look Like - Downtown
9. Quentin Harris - My Joy (Leon Chase’s 808 Edit)
10. Klic & Lokiboi - I Won’t (Steel Remix)
11. Sir Nenis - Play The Game (Daniel Klauser Remix)

CYPRIOT VIBEZ - TAKE YOU THERE [137bpm]

I mean, seriously. Are you fucking kidding me with this track? I haven’t even played it all the way through yet. I just keep pausing it due to an overwhelming “this is way too good,” feeling.

If it weren’t for my all-time homegirl, Unholy Rhythms, I may never have heard a single second of this. She knows me well, to an extent that can’t really be expressed on a tumblr blog. Needless to say, she dropped me this track, and I’m forever indebted to her.

The Weeknd’s (now classic) track, “What You Need,” subtly makes its way into this future-garage endeavor by 17-year-old Aron Djandash of London.  Like I said before, I haven’t listened all the way through, because it’s just too good. Therefore, a proper review and feeling of the track isn’t in store for today.

Instead, you should just listen, feel, dance, be inspired. Somehow this track has been out for a whopping SIX MONTHS, and it’s painful to just now be hearing it. You’ll want to hear everything this guy has to offer, available on SoundCloud and YouTube. And, as always:

.::do:work.show:love::.