After the foundations for his new chapter of productions solidified, with Figure 53 welcoming him to the Figure camp, Cleric now continues to build on his raw yet sharp and accurately cut techno sound. This varied 4 tracker shows off the British producer's tastes for textural, ambient soundscapes and edgy broken beats, alongside pure and straight ahead club killers.

'Tentative' serves as a canvas for the EP to grow and take its form. From shadowy undertones, sound-system feedback and murky basement textures, a complex and visceral sound world is born. The steady punch of 'Sigmund' translates these textures into a 4/4 driven jam then, with Cleric's signature precise programming and reduced melodic elements leading us down an exciting and undulating path. 

Upping the pace one step further, 'Conflict' comes on strong in the most powerful track of the EP. Angry synth motifs swirl and build around a rock-solid platter of bass energy. Cleric keeps the action refined and dry in this must-have tool.

Finally the inventive broken beats of 'Wickerman' shatter the 4-to-the-floor template in a tense and tracky exploration into more challenging zones. Rough textural percussion clatters to great effect and drives this heavy stepper along perfectly.


Wickerman

Sigmund SNIPPET

FEIER [PREVIEW]

Taken from the EP of Joonipah alias, Ricky Bonewell, 'Itadi' is a soul-sampling, hip-shaking percussive stomp that would easily sit in sets from Moodymann or Theo Parrish. 

More info: http://www.stampthewax.com/2015/02/17/ricky-bonewell-itabi/

Follow:
@ricky-bonewell / @joonipah
@the-chopshop-music

Ricky Bonewell - Itadi

For too long, Eska has been the greatest singer you've never heard of. She's performed with a staggering array of talent from Grace Jones to Cinematic Orchestra, Bobby McFerrin to Matthew Herbert - the latter also being the producer of her new, self-titled album along with Dave Okumu and Eska herself. Reflecting her history of flying way above any genre boundaries, the album skims effortlessly through classical, folk, Latin rhythms, Rotary Connection style cosmic soul, experimental soundscapes and, in this song, rugged and rootsy reggae... all capped off with THAT voice.  

Eska "Heroes & Villains" - Boiler Room Debuts

"Cassia" is delightful introduction to the largely unheralded talent of  Icarus  – and when you're making music this sun-kissed, the gags practically write themselves. Carefree scattering of instrumentation and a refreshingly tropical vibe are reminiscent of Axel Boman's balmiest moments, only propelled by a much more naked dancefloor drive. When the seesawing piano lead collides with the backing claps around the halfway mark, the result is borderline dazzling.

As a neat bonus, this one arrives via a resurged FFRR: a behemoth of a label with too many highlights in their catalogue to mention (although especial mention goes to somehow releasing both Orbital and The Watts Prophets in the same calendar year). A testament to their keen ear for fresh talent, and commitment to diversity, even after all these years.

FEIER [PREVIEW]

FEIER

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