Audio Love 12.3.15

Music

Various Artists – Lifesaver Compilation 2 (Live at Robert Johnson)

The Frankfurt institution of Live at Robert Johnson is ready to drop the second “Lifesaver” compilation selected once again by their very own Ramona. The first comp dropped a couple of years back in 2013 and this new edition again showcases material from the close knit family that has congealed around this much loved Offenbach club-come-record label. The promo was sent out some time ago, which means it’s been something I’ve been playing a lot and so have come to know it quite intimately.

So what’s the verdict? Well it’s a start-to-finish testimony as to why this is one of the most exciting labels for slightly weird but extremely playable house music around at the moment. The tone and vibe remain pretty consistent throughout with all of the tracks working to compliment each other very well. Some tracks nod heavily to 80s electro territory while others develop into more current and weird excursions. As a whole there's a good balance between nice, spacious material and more intense moments. All in all this is a pretty heavy weight collection and, let’s face it, you should probably buy it.

Out on the 16^th March on wax and digi

Aybee Presents the Bazile Republic – Strange Visions EP (Burek)

One of my favourite producers of the moment teams up with a long time favourite label of mine for what looks to be a very exciting package indeed. Aybee is best known for his productions on his own excellent Deepblak label which have always been intense, innovative and forward thinking whilst still being excellent dancefloor fodder. This new project for Croatian based Burek bears all of these same hallmarks.

The EP kicks off with the heavily involved 10 minute belter of “Strange Visitors” which is hectic and unrelenting but rewarding pumper. Next up “Motion of Attraction” is a more serious affair, with a deep, synthy vibe. Finally “The Sacred Smoke” is the most abstract and noodly of the lot but quite possibly my favourite. This release has all of the quality that you’d expect from both Aybee and Burek. Get on it.

Out 20^th March on wax

Various Artists – Africa Airways 1 (Funk Connection 1973-1980) (Africa Seven)

Africa Seven is a new label based out of Paris and London and they’ll be focusing on digging up old gems from the huge reservoir of great music from the continent. Their first comp is “Africa Airways 1” which focuses on the funkier end of the spectrum ranging from the mid 70s through to the early 80s.

There are some gems on here for sure. We’ve got legends on here like Manu Dibango and Jo Bisso and also some new discoveries, for me at least, such as Jake Sollo. There’s funky guitar licks, intense percussion, awesome sax appeal and some properly raucous drums. Proper good stuff.

Out now on wax