The return of our VA series is marked with the new chapter ‘Freaky Friends Volume 1’ featuring the likes of P.Leone, Nasty King Kurl, Sentient State, Ole Mic Odd, Dj Swagger, and Main Phase.
The Berlin-based label has been going strong since its founder - Australian DJ and producer Dj Whipr Snipr - launched it in 2016, with recent genre-spanning releases traversing acid, house, breaks, and electro from artists such as DJ Bowlcut, Low Tape, Soela, Subjoi, Interplanetary Criminal, J.Albert, DJ Safeword, Anthony Fade, and many more. Nerang now invites six quality artists for its most ambitious release yet to inaugurate the imprint’s ‘Freaky Friends’ series. E-Missions founder and Rekids regular P.Leone leads the way with a thudding breaks number called ‘Parting Currents’. A rumbling bassline is later joined by lush pads and a hammering piano melody destined to rocket listeners into new heights. Following appearances on 777 Recordings and Low Income Squad, Nasty King Kurl is next with a raw sounding ‘Lawless’ - a syncopated cut that blends acid and electro with Memphis rap and R&B.
In fine form off the back of releasing on Hilltown Disco and 99cts RCRDS, Nerang veteran Ole Mic Odd brings a sweaty Ghetto House stomper named ‘Hydro Anthem’ complete with a gritty acid bassline and Pointdexter-esque chopped vocals, making way for Sentient State’s ‘4 Tha Freaks’ which exhibits the New York-based artist’s softer side as he layers lush pads on top of a stripped back electro rhythm for pure euphoria.
With releases on Natural Sciences, Who’s Susan and E-Beamz, Germany-based producer Dj Swagger ups the energy, clocking in with the compilation’s fastest track in a bouncing Chicago House inspired cut entitled ‘The Phone Talky’. Tying it all together, Warehouse Raves and ec2a artist Main Phase’s ‘Get Higher’ is a punchy UK garage track complete with thudding 909 kicks, purring bass, fluttering vocals and rave stabs.
Following previous releases on Shall Not Fade and KOMPAKT, Soela will release her debut on Australia-via-Berlin imprint Nerang Recordings with the ‘Downfall’ EP.
The EP showcases the studio and creative mastery of the Russia-born and Berlin-based artist, who has years of experience as a pianist and vocalist under her belt.
Spanning five tracks, Downfall EP sees Soela team up with Berlin-based DJ and producer Module One, and Nerang head honcho Whipr Snipr. The release also features a remix from Ukrainian artist, Saturated Color.
The title track is deep house at its finest, showcasing otherworldly atmospheres, serene chords and Soela’s blissful piano, which has been a staple throughout her productions. Up next, ‘Cabinet’ featuring Module One features echoing, magical synths and thumping percussion working in perfect harmony.
On the flip side, ‘Golden Hour’ is the quintessential afterhours track that would be at home at daytime raves and summer festivals alike.
The Saturated Colour remix gives the title track a darker twist, adding an acid house synthline that’s in perfect synch with the track’s dreamy atmospheres and enchanting beats.
Wrapping things up, ‘Hide From Love’ sees Soela team up with Whipr Snipr to deliver a piano meets acid house tune that beckons us to get down on the dancefloor and dance with our eyes closed.
Infernal Sounds welcome the return of the illusive Irish producer Darkimh, plating up the scorching 'Tell Me Nothin' EP' as the follow up to his #IFS009 release which hit shelves in 2018. The title track features Manchester MC T-Man (one part of Levelz), a collaboration in the works for some time, providing the ultimate weight deliverance to the dance floor, igniting rigorous energy as soon as the tune drops. Darkimh backs this stand out piece with two different flips - a more trapped out track in 'Gin Swing' and the surreal and spacious number, 'Boneclick'. All tracks are perfect for different vibes and different situations, whether it's at home on your own, out at a house party or ready to lay siege on the dance floor. The release features a full sleeve artwork piece - designed and photographed by Gabrial Deacon.
Having received major support from the likes of Commodo, Sicaria Sound, N-Type and Truth, amongst many other top drawer DJ's, this is a must-own piece of black crack - pressed on 180g vinyl.
Impressing the next set of colossal armaments onto wax, 'Order / The Mould' introduces a multitude of esteemed producers from London's musical melting pot to the high-grade Sentry artist roster. Fusing the sounds of bass music heavyweight Boylan and the enigmatic Logos, Slimzee the Grime visionary and co-founder of Rinse FM as well as the trio of veteran producers USF top off this epic collaboration. Following up on the latest anthem with Killa P and Long Range on the microphone and the label boss Youngsta himself on the controls, the 14th vinyl release of the esteemed UK imprint once again demonstrates its eminent value.
An exemplary no-holds-barred sound system eclipse, 'Order' kicks off with granular foley and restrained percussive ambience, invoking the impending militant pressure excursions with haunting precision. As the mammoth bassline unloads onto your listeners with unbridled might and the full force of the law, the ensuing staccato pressure artillery leaves no headroom behind - dance floor levitation at its finest. Witnessing the B-Side, 'The Mould' incorporates meticulous breaks alongside the scattered percussion and thunderous bassline foundation, not for the faint of heart. Two murderous sound system cuts, primed and ready for the dance.
