Welsh producer Harrison BDP is back on Phonica’s main label with the excellent ‘Easy Tiger EP’. It’s yet another impressively crafted 12” of his idiosyncratic take on House, Techno, Garage and beyond!
Once again, we were blown away with Harry’s grasp of producing a multitude of different electronic styles. The record launches with the melancholy-tinged Deep House/Garage crossover ‘Easy Tiger’ and its familiar vocal sample, before veering over to the more deceptively lighthearted yet carefully constructed two-step cheek of ‘RIP Ralph’.
On the b-side ‘One For The Club’ is just that, an epic and club-ready anthem with huge builds and breakdowns that’s dying to be blasted out on a huge system. Here’s hoping 2021 eventually gives us an opportunity to hear it where it’s meant to be heard!
The record closes with the sharp Tech-House/Garage skip of ‘Snake In The Grass’, another curiously catchy and original production from one of the UK’s most prolific artists.
Melbourne based Escape Artist has blessed us with a euphoria bursting EP for the 30th release on our main label series! For the past few years we have absolutely loved his genre fusing releases on labels such as Salt Mines and Kalahari Oyster Cult which wonderfully slip between Breakbeat, Techno, House and Jungle. For the “Energy Breakthrough” EP, the focus is primed straight for the lasers, with three blissfully exhilarating and ecstasy inducing original tracks, alongside a remix from one of our favourite up and coming producers, Adam Pits.
The EP begins with the title track which combines old school house piano stabs at the start that evolve into a soothing pad progression and a super saw breakdown that takes you straight to Amnesia circa 1998. Opting for a more broken drum beat, the track floats effortlessly like a night time motorway drive. For the remix, Adam Pits lifts it into the stratosphere, repurposing the bassline and slapping a thunderous 4x4 rhythm underneath. Invoking Sasha and Digweed at their absolute peak, the track fuses the classic sound of Progressive House and Trance with futuristic levels of energy. “Reach for the lasers” doesn't quite do it justice.
On the B1 is “The Dream We Share” that marries together chopped up funk breaks, plucky synth melodies and uplifting 303 Acid squiggles with jubilant chords for an elated sonic journey. Rounding the release out is the stripped back and introspective “Breathing Room” that is a beautifully peaceful experience after the dance floor focus of the previous cuts. The refreshing aura of the track that harks to the golden age of 90s Chill-Out and Ambient Techno concludes the release in the best way possible.
A1. Energy Breakthrough
A2. Energy Breakthrough (Adam Pits' Lightspeed Mix)
Phonica Records proudly welcomes the highly respected producer Dorisburg to their main label roster with a brilliant three track EP of expertly crafted Deep House and Techno.
Sweden’s Dorisburg (real name Alexander Burg) has been consistently creating some of the most carefully constructed dancefloor records over the past decade and his various releases for the likes of Aniara, Bossmusik and Northern Electronics are seemingly always in demand with DJs and listeners alike. His stunning debut album ‘Irrbloss’ on Hivern Discs sold out almost immediately upon release and still fetches high prices on the second-hand market. This is all to say nothing of his involvement in the critically acclaimed duo Genius Of Time with Nils Krogh (aka Arkajo).
While his productions can vary widely from upbeat and melodic to dark and foreboding, one thing is consistent in them all; atmosphere. This latest chapter in the Dorisburg story is no different, with ‘House Organ For The Lonely’ starting the EP off with a slow-building and ominous feel eventually pierced by a delicate synth line. It’s the little details that mark his productions apart, with tiny flourishes throughout imbuing the track with a layer upon layer of texture.
Next up is ‘Fumana Prophecy’, a dark, bubbling cauldron of fizzing and whirring electronics occasionally enveloped by dense pads of bass. Hi-hats ratchet up the intensity. Finally, ‘Rhythm Paint’ begins with more earthly and off-kilter percussion before a glistening digital arpeggio dances on top.
It’s yet another wonderful record from one of the most reliable producers out there.
