The Dreamer Recordings – Synth Ethics – ‘Do & Die’ EP – [Review]

Leaning into our inbox like the Tower of Pisa but with a B-boy stance is an avant-garde release coming from Italian imprint ‘The Dreamers Recordings‘, which has spanned 12 years influencing the scene with event organizing until crossing over to the label side of things. Upon this release, we’re treated to a vehement four track EP sculpted by also Italian duo, Synth Ethics, namely Tommaso & Nicolas, who have also dished out some tunes on imprints like ‘BNC Express’ as well as ‘Critical Records’. Not being their first release on ‘The Dreamers Recs’, ‘Synth Ethics’ present us with the ‘Do & Die’ EP.

Drawing the curtain on this display is S/E’s take on ‘By Polar’s‘ ‘Deep Down‘ tune which originally is a more chilled electronic vibe which is then switched up to a more brooding baseline and a little menacing percussion work. The title track ‘Do & Die‘ makes it’s stance as the second offering on this EP draped in all of the funk and sinister with the vibes, guaranteed to always find its way into people’s sets. Stunner of a tune! Which is then followed by ‘Recognize‘, which is a take on retro vibes tinged with a modern touch to it. Then lastly is ‘Ragtag‘ holding down a stellar closing to this EP with well orchestrated chaos in it’s mellow like but still aggressive nature. Big up to the mandem, this EP is pure gold!

Words: Toan

Kinetik Records – Kursiva – Waveform Shapeshifter LP – [Review]

Waveforms shapeshifting all the way out of Spain from man like Kursiva, who’s been seen incorporating some of his turn-tabling into his DnB productions. Delivering a 12 track LP of uncompromised production, the “Waveform Shapeshifter” LP is presented by Belgian label “Kinetik Records”.

The LP is unapologetically Neuro driven but so well curated which sees kursiva fully flexing his production finesse, and really non-monotonous. Featuring tracks like “Shattered” which come hissing at you with a thick, grounded bass that’s well designed to crack ribcages. And “Press 2 Play” with torn synth worn work and a piercing groove is well crafted to have you pacing up more than normal. To rolling tracks like “Speedline” sprinkled with some mad funk in them & halftime breakdowns. Definitely, something in this for everyone to include in their sets. The track “Hydra” is a monster with an insatiable appetite of obliterating dance-floors with its menacing drum work. And of course, the title track which has dumbfounded me. This is one number which will definitely have heads turning and inducing screw faces of note! Fresh album from man like kursiva.

 

Soul Trader Records – Dave Owen – Ridin’ High EP – [Review]

 

Hailing from Queens, NY in the United States, comes Dave Owen with his four track EP titled “Ridin’ High” which is completely immersed in the lushest liquid DNB I’ve personally heard coming from the states. The EP is showcased on Soul Trader’s magnificent roster of releases.  Breaking the ice is a track called ‘Hydro Soul’ which is led by a flute-like sound that’s looped up, which pretty much runs throughout the entire track and then followed by quite a stand out of a tune “Little Impulses” which tugs at them feels with the right motion and timing just to have you swell up in some deep vibes.

Thirdly comes the title track “Ridin’ High” which is rather much smoother and deep, one set to alleviate the stresses of everyday living and cruise you onto cloud nine. The EP is then sealed off by “Soul Mates”, a track which boasts a beautiful violin that paints delightful sceneries in your mind. A Very pleasing piece of work on the entire EP to mellow out on. Really love the work that went into this production. Big up!

Words: Ant