FAVOURITE FIVE || December
Ramzi – Pèze-Piton [12th Isle]
This winter, Phoebé Guillemot – a.k.a Ramzi – brings forth her fifth album in as many years on 12th Isle, a label and DJ collective from Glasgow who have been running parties in both Glasgow and London. Originally hailing from Montreal but now based in heralded global-music-hub, Berlin, Guillemot is on a serious musical journey. Her music quite simply cannot be pinned into any kind of category. That’s not to say one can’t trace sounds from a huge range of influences including Africa, Caribbean, Dub, Jazz and all kinds of left field electronica. How Ramzi infuses them all is completely unique, working away from any formula and with a lot of spontaneity, she leaves listeners with an estranging yet lustrous blend of sonic delights.
Opening with a mysterious dubby track, this album quickly moves into ‘Backin’, a light stepper that captures the album’s collage-like composition. It’s shadowy vocals that seep through the dense soundscapes on the album give it its mysterious energy. There’s a deeper feel on ‘Safe’, with its rousing sensual vocal. ‘Fly Timoun’ is patterned together with smooth, jazzy tones, pumping percussion and more soothing vocals. And on, ‘Nofo’ there is this dispersed alien vocal that’s carried by a calm aura of synth with a lot of grain delay that carries.
The album lures us into the mesmerizing world of exotic soundscapes and psychic exploration that Gillemot has worked so diligently on crafting over the past couple of years. There are those tracks that seep with tribal experimentation and jittery distorted noise, and then those with light tropical tinges and sexually charged wildness that bolster the album’s playful sensitivity. Furthermore, there are areas of calm that let you drift deep into these peculiar exotic spheres. As with much of Ramzi’s production, the album’s sound holds a density that may seem like an almost impenetrable layering of music, yet the smooth rhythm and down-tempo structuring allows the assortment of sounds to be drawn out from one another.
Be Svendsen - Andromeda [Music For Dreams]
Following a hugely successful 2017 for Be Svendsen with every release making it into the top 15 on Beatport within its category, with one remaining at #1 for over one and a half months, the Dane finished the year with a bang in the shape of, 'Andromeda'. The Ibiza anthem is a single release and his first since he signed to the consistently brilliant Music For Dreams with a highly anticipated album on the horizon for 2018. Talking about the release Be said, "As a kid growing up in the eighties, I have always been deeply moved by the nostalgic value that this type of sound and instrumentation holds. It's quite a different track to my previous releases, but nonetheless a direction my heart beats strongly for - I hope you will enjoy this galactic journey with me."
2014 was the year that electronica’s cognoscenti fell for Be Svendsen. Following the success of his live festival performances, the Copenhagen based DJ and producer has become an attraction on the global festival scene and proponent of a uniquely organic, genre-bending sound. This year has taken Be all around the world to festivals including BOOM in Portugal, Secret Garden Party, BPM and Burning Man.
Buy: Digital
HAAi - Feels [Coconut Beats]
HAAi, best known as the Saturday night resident at London club Phonox, has, incredibly quickly, carved herself out a comfortable space within the UK music scene, garnering a loyal crowd, and becoming well respected and loved by many for her innovative, groovy, extended techno sets. Now turning her hand to producing, she has given us a sparkling little collection of tracks over the last few months, the latest of which is 'Feels'. The brilliance of the tune is testament to HAAi’s background in music, and her natural affinity for rhythm and tone. Its sound is in keeping with her previous tracks, with its echoing high end, thundering, chuggy bass, and space-like, bouncy melody, but is arguably her heaviest yet, and undeniably my favourite. It is rich with personality and soul, and her eclectic musical influences are evident within its sound, which walks a line between several styles. It is unashamedly hedonistic, with a buzzing, buttery tune, held up by clipped, quick drums. Its meeting of echoing, big room sound with an intimate and friendly mood is reflective of her overall style, and something that will be incredibly well received on dance floors around the world. She has really found her stride, and I am truly excited to hear what else she has in store for us in future.
Buy: Digital
AZURA - Paraíso '89 [World Building]
Rays of sunshine, an ocean breeze, crashing waves and deep blue sea. A Balearic treat, which gives off heat, giving one itchy feet, 'Paraíso ‘89' by the short lived group Azura gets an outing via World Building.
Buy: Vinyl
Move D - To The Disco ‘77 (Move D Live Rework) [Electric Minds]
The fine gentleman that is Mr Move D dropped a first press disc earlier this year in his Mixmag Lab set to a loose crowd in a rather small office one Friday afternoon and the reception was ludicrously rowdy; certainly fitting of the record. The slick vocals guide you onwards ‘to the disco’ ... if you aren’t already there you will be lungeing on the d-floor before this boogie track is through with you. The bass is glorious, complimented so well by some classy symbols while the track truly evolves into the type of masterpiece the producer is recognised for. Acidic, slightly psychedelic undertones play their part alongside some eerie tinkles and waves of nostalgia you’re not sure where from but it’s just right. Let this one play out for the full nine minutes and cherish it as a fine example of the musical genre at it’s most hedonistic. Released this week, head down to Phonica to grab it while it’s hot!
Buy: Vinyl