Cousin Carl proudly present the young and low-profile British producer (who also happens to be the head honcho of the label) makes an impressive entry into the scene with 'Themes EP'. The EP deals with dusty, crunchy and especially lofi sounds all with a touch of Kinway's secret sauce. First up is 'Untitled (Storage Media)', a track which dwells in the early morning hours in crisp yet unclean claps, swung hats and palpable pads. To follow, 'Untitled (Washed Soul)' stumbles through our earshot in a drunken manner with the help of scattered rhythms and serenading pads obscured by a translucent layer of cassette dust. Finally the EP summarises with 'Untitled (Storage Media) - Rescuer Mix'. This last wondrous gem of the EP is a relaxed and loose rmieagination of the original that oozes with a sense of subtle perturbation from every orifice.

Untitled (Storage Media) - Rescuer Mix

Cousin Carl gladly presents its second release 'Everything I Don't Need' with three handsome pieces by proficient Istanbul-based producer Voyd.

The EP opens with 'Not Me', a very suitable greeting to our ears that dwells in a half forgotten dream accompanied by forgiving yet firm rhythmic sequences that are perfectly complemented by a groggy bass--line. The prelude has ceased and the curtain rises on a more experimental 'TGHDYS'. This second edition hypnotises the listener with an unwinding pad until the piece breaks into a movement-infused, well-swung rhythm section of the highest grade. The EP concludes with 'The Opposite', a rather fitting summary of the entire release: Lofi, kooky & completely bewildered. The piece is grounded by a broken groove that stumbles past ear-shot in a drunken manner with its arm slung round the shoulder of an inherent bass-line. In between these stumbles, a wise vocal sample lectures the listener on certain elements of life's gospel. 

This is certainly a strong release from Voyd, his soundcloud page is something keep a close eye on, most of his tracks suggest he has a talent for profound, lofi & saturnine house. 

We challenge you not to head bob at any point during this EP.

Everything I Don't Need

Voyd - Everything I Don't Need - Previews

Cousin Carl pops its head out of the kooky-vibe sand once more with the first instalment of left-field various artist curations. Blending serene Mediterranean sampling with bizarre hardware workouts, Family Photo Vol. 1 showcases undiscovered talents and lowercase artists from across the globe. 

UK based Kinway, the release's orchestrator, contributes with 'Untitled (Max's Flatmate)'. A pairing of matured pads and suitably chugging beats create a wonderfully pensive atmosphere that is to be enjoyed in the company of anything: household pet or dearest friend. 

Next in the hot seat is the second producer hailing from the United Kingdom is Milesybwoy (it took a few attempts to learn that spelling off by heart) with the comforting blanket that is 'Play It for Me'. A tuneful motif serenades our ears with the helping hand of a tender drum pattern. Something to drink a chilled glass of elderflower to on a balcony dappled in shade. 

Proceeding the tangerine flavoured Milesybwoy is California's Solotape: a genius of hardware. 'Dog Tag', is his brief but so vey flavoursome kooky jam. Specially recorded for this release, Solotape employs the use of wildly flailing synths and truly whimsical artefacts. All perfectly complemented with a well-tightened bottom end.

Returning once again to Cousin Carl, our dear friend Voyd delivers a nebulous piece 'She Muvs She' that woos the listener with an undisturbed leitmotif. It glides past ear-shot with upmost elegance. A jewell...in short. 

The final contribution is from the French VSLDS. 'Angle 637' is a progressive rhythmic and melodic workout that glides between abstraction and clarity. Celestial thoughts are not uncommon when listening to this composition. 

In summary, this release is an eclectic culmination of placidity, composure and eccentricity. This combination of traits is for certain to be expected in volumes to follow. Watch this space ladies and gentleman...watch this space.

Family Photo

V/A - Family Photo Vol. 1 - Previews

Cousin Carl showcases raw talent to the scene yet again with the lesser known producer Blurry. Since tracks began to emerge online about two months ago, Blurry has already managed to score a spot on a beautifully eclectic V/A on the modest label: 'Traxxx on Waxxx'. Quite the achievement, no? 

Much to our delight, Blurry offers up two steamy gemstones in 'High Falls', which are the perfect match for a tender dance around the kitchen, lounge or indeed club-floor. 

The opener, 'Sun is Ruined', pairs a suitable layer of cassette dust, linty drums and down reaching splashes of dub chords that massage our ear into an outlandish hypnosis. 

Proceeding the wonders of the previous is 'Close your Eyes'. Set in the early peeps of day, Mathew Mcconaughey comforts us with some brief words of affection, along side swift rhythms that swing past at the speed of a wink. All with a subtle varnish of flanger to act as the cherry on top. 

Keep a close eye on Blurry in the coming moths...it will be worth it. That much is certain.

High Falls

Blurry - High Falls - Previews

Cousin Carl presentes the first instalment of a brand new mix series 'Preludes'. This eclectic and tasteful first edition is hosted by the man Tiro, who delivers soul, jazz, and kooky-dooky house all in the space of an hour. Artists featured include: Kinway (@kinway), Frits Wentink (@fritswentink) and many more talented folk. 

Tiro - @doyouevendeephouse

No tracklist available

Cousin Carl Preludes No. 1 - Tiro

With the success of the first instalment of the Family Photo series, Cousin Carl releases another five freshly baked tracks from artists across the globe. From dub-techno to dust-caked house chuggers, Family Photo Vol. 2 asks you to lend your ears to an eclectic connection of other-worldly tunes. 

In pole position, the elusive Blurry appears yet again on Cousin Carl with ‘Overtalk': a fantastically soothing yet brilliantly brooding piece of house that is to be enjoyed at either the most peaceful or the most energetic of hours. 

Following Blurry, new-comer DJ Casshiss gets us on our tippy-toes with 'She Bad'. A wonderfully savage bumper a with tactile drum rhythm and palpable atmospherics that forces one to dance carelessly in whichever location they may be situated. All topped off with a sprinkling of bitter-sweet sass. 

Next in the firing line is Russia's Caapi. With a successful release on the Russian label 'Oblast', he doesn't fail to catch our attention with his sublime electronic experimentations. His contribution 'Forest Alice' takes it down a notch with a low-slung rhythmic piece that is best described as an etherial dub-techno excursion. To be listened to when alone in your local wilderness. A local laundromat would be just as fitting however. 

Another new-comer by the name of Fmy joins forces with Cousin Carl veteran Voyd to deliver the sublime ‘At the Movies’. With shimmering percussive tones and soulful vocal samples, the mature house piece leaves an icy trail in its wake. Obviously, to be enjoyed at the movies. 

Bringing up the rear with superb skill is the Swedish newcomer Mäteriet enthrals the listener with ’81%’. The piece sets a sinister tone with a subtle drone and precise rhythmic excisions while an ever changing percussive motif crunches underfoot with a certain satisfaction. A versatile piece that can be enjoyed on the dance floor or indeed to accompany an evening gin & tonic. 

To summarise, Family Photo Vol.2 is an assortment of profound thought and kooky, devil-may-care attitudes that are certain to impart a feeling of leisure…be it late-morning or mid-afternoon.

Family Photo Vol. 2

V/A - Family Photo Vol. 2 - Previews

This edition of Cousin Carl Preludes brings you French-based Qir, accompanied by his tasteful selections from his collection of tunes. Expect the sound of both half-forgotten dreams and red-meat hardware jams in the next one hour and eighteen minutes. 

Tracklist:

Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen Trio - Jek Gig Mig Ud En Sommertag 
Sun Ra - Dance Of The Cosmo Alien 
Huerco. S - Skug Commune 
Buttechno - Nacht 
Rezzett - Sexzzy Creep 
Bastien Carrara - Kinda Late 
Turinn - Petrichor 
Susumu Yokota - Sensitive Planet 
TRP - Service 
Cool Peepl - (Mr G's Testify Dub) ft. Billy Love 
AceMo - Digital Conscience Analysis 
Dokter Doggo - FIX-A-TION (different story mix) 
Tom & Jerry - Maxi (Mum) Booty Style part III 
Ed Chamberlain - Somefind 
Renee Geyer - Be There In The Morning

Cousin Carl Preludes No. 2 - Qir

Cousin Carl returns from the vaults once more with a quintet of sweet sound treats. This special 'Lounge Edition' V/A keeps an eye on the soulful yet kooky LoFi hip-hop scene, as well as keeping in touch with the label's house staple. Each track has an overriding theme of bitter-sweet jazz, with a wholly modernist approach. The third volume of the infamous Family Photo V/A intends to coax you into an inviting daydream, from which you may not wish to wake up. 

The flag-bearer for this release is Poland-based Aflo, a new face to the Cousin Carl household. This new face however makes a sublime introduction with the wonderfully rickety ‘Twlghht’. A mellow prelude with constant vocal chimes and delectable harmonics, all underpinned by a loveably tipsy beat. To be enjoyed when taking quiet refuge on the garden patio during those soothing summer months. 

In close second is label boss Kinway with his signature tuneful-detune in ‘Untitled (Tune for Thought)’. The ear is met with tentative Rhodes chords drenched in cassette dust before a well-swung rhythm takes control of the piece. Hints of the exotic are heard with the faint passing of bongos and talking drums, accompanied by a woeful sense of optimism. 

Following the head-honcho is the French based Quima. This talented newcomer to the Cousin Carl clan is warmly welcomed, bringing his wonderfully crafted ‘Wes (Oaus)’ along with him. This beautifully outlandish tune samples both Rap and the Jazz guitar of Wes Montgomery and is then twisted and turned into a creation all of Quima’s own. Tangerine-flavoured chords and deliciously rounded subs act as a basis for the musical dish whilst the eccentric rapping acts as a perfectly judged smattering of seasoning. 

Proceeding Quima is Toronto-dwelling Thought Project who offers up a bluesy, low-frequency drenched jam ‘Slow Burn’. In true keeping with the title, Thought Project lets the heat out slowly but surely with enchanted melodic themes accompanied by effervescent percussion solos. A track that is best served with a side dish of dusk. 

Last but most certainly not least is the German lofi guru Upper Class, the new kid on the Cousin Carl block certainly knows how to get one moving. ‘Drifitn’ 124’ is a perfect example of a well judged blend of emotion and groove. Pads and vocals chant from a distant desert act as the focal point for this piece, while swinging percussive rhythms act under the command of a chugging kick drum. 

In summary, Family Photo Vol.3: Lounge Edition is the most eclectic collection of music released on Cousin Carl yet. Sombre tones meet overwhelming senses of serenity. It is something that can be enjoyed either in the company of oneself, or those whom to you are most dear. Either way, lending your ears to this release will not be something to regret.

Family Photo Vol. 3: Lounge Edition

Family Photo Vol.3: Lounge Edition

V/A - Family Photo Vol. 3: Lounge Edition - Previews

For the fourth release of Cousin Carl's main release series, the Turkish LoFi guru Voyd steps up yet again to deliver dulcet flavours of wonky tunes to coax us into a gentle summer sway. 

This wonderfully kooky EP toys with intimacies along side loud'n'proud jams that enthral the listener into smooth movements of sublimation. Tunes such as Fulp Piction & FMMSC are of sweetened bliss, as gentle percussion tip taps upon the tops of bumping subs. Tunes of a slightly more 'get up n go' nature such as Reverse Piehole & ENW create a sense of pure elation that encourages you to dance care-free down the street, in the living room, or wherever you find yourself listening to these delectable pieces.

To be enjoyed in the sunny months, or indeed, in the grey months when wishing for a little sunshine.

Voyd - Memoir Sketches - Previews

Cousin Carl resurfaces to bring you the sonically hypnotic EP of talented newcomer Ordinateur. Three tracks bless the ears with buttery low ends, intimate sampling, all adorned with a summer warmth that embraces the listener. 

The opening number, 'Dieout' is a study in slow-motion: a brooding, shimmering drum section that's perfectly underpinned by a rumbling bass drone. A sun-kissed pad floats without care across the track, leading our ears to the sublime. 

Following up is the intimate and affectionate 'Wondered A', leading the ear through a mediterranean olive grove dappled in shade. A calming rhythm section snuggles up nicely in the listeners mind whilst dozy-dusty melodic flourishes meander across the track's otherworldly soundscape.

Finally, Ordinateur gets us on our feet with the joyous 'Love Filter'. Detuned pads flow through the stereo field, subtly changing tone as they do so, whilst a driving groove propels the listener into a state of glorious movement. As the track progresses, Ordinatuer's signature bass drone seasons the track to perfect imperfection.

This EP is one that moves tastefully from energetic, to introspective. Energetic to celebrate the warmth of these summer months, and introspective to allow the listener to soak up the evening sunlight that flows so freely from this release.

Cousin Carl Records

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