Music I’m Feeling

Sunday, September 13th, 2009 | Sounds

There’s been a tonne of great music released recently that I’ve been feeling - here’s just a few. First up is the latest offering from Omar S, “Still Serious Nic”. 2009 has been the year that Omar S has finally got the wider attention that his music deserves. The new 12″ doesn’t deviate too far from the raw, analogue, jacking sound that Omar is known for; “Flying Blind” reminds me of “Psychotic Photosynthesis” and “Still Serious Nic” a lot like the Omar S produced “Space Station” by Theo Parrish. Speaking of Theo Parrish, his remix of LCD Soundsystem’s “45:33″ is finally being released - completely dope. Also, forthcoming on Sound Signature is a new double 12″ from Leron Carson, “Red Lightbulb Theory” - 5 tracks of raw techno on a similar tip to his “China Trax” from 2001. Fellow Detroiter Reggie Dokes, also seems to be set for another year of stellar releases. The “Chicago Pimp” 12″ was a fine way to kick-off Clone’s Loft Supreme Series. Treading a similar path is Reggie’s latest, the “Spectacle of Deepness” on We Play House; both releases build on the distinctive sound that Reggie has crafted over the years. Quality stuff from some of Detroit’s most consistent producers.

Next up, Stephen Hitchell releases his 2nd album this year, this time under the ambient moniker Variant. As to be expected with Echospace releases, “The Setting Sun” is a deeply textured, engulfing listen that draws you in. All lush atmospherics and sound-scapes, the album highlight is the 23 minute long title track “The Setting Sun”, which is a truly beautiful mesmerizing piece of music that, for me, is one of Hitchell’s production highlights.

.

Mojuba and it’s sub-label a.r.t.less, have in the past couple of years become labels to buy on sight, building it’s reputation through very limited initial releases of classic house re-issues, as well as building a roster of new producers such as Sven Weisemann, Nick Sole and Oracy. The label has raised the bar with it’s recent releases. Sven Weisemann’s outings on a.r.t.less (“Shove EP”) and Wandering (“Xine Zero”) are both quality, “Shove” sounding very much like some of the deeper techno from the early-90s (much like a lot of the labels other releases). Another recent highlight from Mojuba, is Chez Damier’s “Time Visions 1″ ep, which sees the re-issue of “Sometimes I Feel” and “Teach / Keep Me” (both previously on Prescription Records) as well as the previously un-released “Why”. Highly recommended.

Another producer that I’ve been enjoying recently is Kassem Mosse. His 2nd 12″ on Workshop falls in-between techno and house in feel and tempo. The sounds and textures on both “Untitled A1″ and “Untitled B1″ remind me a lot of Robert Hood’s productions. Kassem also produced a great ambient piece, which can be downloaded here. Hopefully there’ll be more ambient pieces like this to come from him.

.

.

New York based producer FaltyDL (along with Floating Points and Joy Orbison) has been at the forefront of the recent 2-step revival. The new direction that these producers are pushing is really interesting, taking the best of 2-step, dub-step, house and techno. FaltyDL has turned out some great music so far this year, including his debut album “Love Is A Liability” on Planet Mu. If his recent Resident Advisor mix is anything to go by, FaltyDL’s upcoming material is gonna be just as good. On a similar tip, the much (deservedly) hyped track “Hyph Mngo” by Joy Orbison, finally got released on Hot Flush - another label (along with Planet Mu) that is really pushing this sound. Huge track which no doubt will turn up on a lot of year-end charts.

.

Tags: 2-step, Ambient, Chicago House, Deep House, Detroit house, Detroit techno, London, Techno

2 Comments to Music I’m Feeling

Leave a comment