Singles Club #4

Music

This week Joe Europe treats us to the sounds of Leif, who’s new wax continues to show what a well rounded producer he can be, Azymuth & Pykup, who’s artwork (and music) will brighten up your day.

Leif Cloud Hidden (Sudden Drop Records)

Ok kicking off singles club this week with the new 12 from Leif. Over the years this guy has proved again and a gain that he has more than one string to his bow in a career that has spanned jittery micro house, lush deep house and more garage influenced rhythms. With his new 4 track EP he shows again what a well rounded producer he is. This new wax on Sudden Drop records, the vinyl only offshoot from Fear of Flying, is definitely one of his strongest yet.

So weve got 4 quite different tracks here, but all focusing on deeply atmospheric techno and house. The A side kicks off with we have Effervescent which is a subdued, minimal groove set amongst grainy, crackling textures. From here onto Snowfall which is a slower, more pensive number with deep, repetitive chords and the odd snippet of vocal. First on the flip is Walk On which is, spacious, grooving and atmospheric. Finally, bringing up the rear is NDE which rounds off the EP with lush chords and shades of Detroit.

This is of the highest quality. Out now on wax

Pykup African Goodbye/Nothanksimblushing (Cambrian Line)

This is the second release by the French artist Pykup on everyones favorite Berlin based record label that bases itself on the train journey from Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury. (With Leif hailing from Dolgellau in mid Wales maybe were having a bit of a Welsh edition today?)

Both Pykup and Cambrian Line are known for their focus on not-strictly-for-the-dancefloor, deep, brooding, but ultimately very beautiful, electronic music. The single opens with African Goodbye which is a slow-mo percussive affair that chugs along whilst the layered textures and African chanting builds up around you messing your head up something rotten. Nothanksimblishing was clearly written and named after a malfunction of Pykups space bar but that aside this is a churning, jazz influenced beatless techno track, swirling and dramatic. Proper stuff.

Whats more the artwork to this is absolutely beautiful. Such a shame this isnt coming in a physical format! Oh well print it out and fax it to yourself. Out digitally 1st July

Azymuth Aurora Remixes (Far Out Records)

Continuing in the Welsh theme, Azymuth are a world-renowned Welsh male voice choir from Prestatyn who made their name doing beatbox reimaginings of Shirly Bassey songs. Well maybe not, theyre actually a world-renowned jazz funk outfit from Brazil who, if you dont know their music you really need to get to know! Formed in 1972 these guys have made some seriously funky music over the years (check Jazz Carnival on RCA records for instance).

Azymuth have been working with Far Out Records since back in 1994 and about a year ago got together to record Aurora and this follow up sees the mighty Ashley Beadle and Swedens Opolopo get involved on the remixes. The results are two quality remixes plus dub versions (Mr Beadle takes on Mulher and Opolopo tackles Carnaval Lagrande) that bring the originals into more of a dancefloor friendly format. These are just two offerings from the upcoming remix album which, based on the two offerings we have here, will be more than worth checking out.

Out now on wax