#fwuk

[runehandofsevitus]

I still exist, I guess?

[thiccboi]

Wearing dangley earrings makes me feel powerful

[pizzaga-blog]

*kicks AIM* Lemme sign in goddamnit. 

[kraar-blog]

Tripletrain - Lights of the City EP

Lights of the City EP by Tripletrain

Ahh, it's a real no brainer to pen a few words about the latest Tripletrain release. The New York duo's latest 5-tracker brings together five melodic but not melodramatic cuts. The samples are allowed to simmer beneath tasteful chops and carefully engineered stabs. The title track steals the show, vocals for the title track are provided by Berlin vocalist Chiara Noriko are allowed to breath before the real groove gets going in the final third. I'm not sure if the vocalist would be able to keep up in a live performance but at least the listener is just about able to.

[kraar-blog]

Various - Jack to Juke

Jack To Juke [phyla009] by phyla

There are so many compilations but a compilation which brings together four of the hottest talents is bound to grab my attention. This isn't the first compilation which has aimed to shine a light on the post-chicago age but it is undoubtedly one of the better curated and restrained efforts. A compilation which draws from several different pools to bring a true insight into the state of play today.

Homesick starts the compilation off with a fantastic contribution. The acid exploration doesn't descend into a full blown acid-induced meltdown, such is the tendency, but maintains a more even-keel with angelic vocal samples before the full 4x4x4x4 workout begins. Beautiful. Next up is FootMerc, a man who now needs no introduction. Recently coming hot off a couple of free flips, the classic FootMerc returns. A brutal control of rhythm is expressed through the clearly chopped sample and amelodic claps juxtaposed with skittering toms.

Banzulu steps up as the undiscovered member of the compilation but provides an intricate percussion-focused track. The mid-range is left clear for a carefully chopped sample to roam free amongst lethargic chords and more urgent hats. The final track comes from Hesk. Whilst ostensibly a compilation showcasing producers from outside of the city, Hesk provides what can only be described as a careful study of the essence of footwork. The genre is stripped back to it's bare essential elements before Hesk selects the suitable samples to complete his bare-bones re-deconstruction.

[kraar-blog]

Comoc - Action Cancelled EP

Action Canceled EP by Comoc

It's been a while. Since we last spoke, the place we call home has been irreparably damaged by the death of DJ Rashad. It's difficult to predict how things will change but without such a zeitgeist to guide us all forwards - the next few months could turn out to be a turbulent time.

I've been listening to the latest Polish Juke release for a good few weeks now and it's still as fresh as it was on the first listen. The pseudo-enigmatic tracks, titled Cancel #1-5 explore minimal ideas. This is something which is traditionally difficult to get right, there is nothing to distract the listener from perspicuous holes in your mixdown.

Comoc's efforts undoubtedly have a raw production aesthetic but the decomposition (to use the buzzword of 2013) is endearing. The finest moment comes in the form of the final two tracks. #4 is a nightmarish skit whose chaotic key changes aim to keep you off guard whilst #5 is truer to the overall minimal style. The techno influenced juke track has the claps squarely on the offbeat and basic stabs drive the track forwards until a melancholic finale.

The blurb cites Untold as an influence but it's hard to place this squarely in the established canon. Many ideas have been channelled into this release and in comparison with Footwitch from last year, it's a very different release. Comoc is a producer trying to find his sound and let's hope that it's his sound he shall find.

[kraar-blog]

DRUGUSE - EP I

Drip fed through the internet's vast web - over the course of several months EP I came to be fully formed. The mysterious DRUGUSE presented six ghetto tracks clearly inspired by the classic chicago productions but infused with a more modern LA beat scene sensibility.

HOOD RICH LIFE still remains the releases "smash hit". The drums are quickly obscured by melodic twinkles and a tsunamic bassline. Combine these qualities with the singalong potential and you've got yourself a platinum certified classic in the making. Goodies can also be found in the other five tracks in the EP - my personal favourite has to be the off kilter THIRSTY ANTHEM. Vocals swirl around submerged kicks in stark contrast to the previous sharp edges of HOOD RICH LIFE.

[kraar-blog]

JACK댄스 - 11th April

If you're a bit sick of every day life and 5-panel clubbing then it might be worth checking out JACK tomorrow night in Dalston. I'm going to be playing down there along with Ana Caprix, Crack Stevens, Tiqqun and 2shy. Last time it was great, carefree clubbing for the selfie generation and I expect no different this time. If you can make it, make sure to holla - I'll be front and centre as always.