Experimental/Ambient - 6

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* Read more: https://boltingbits.com/musclecars-we-go-home-together-coloring-lessons
* Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9qrKziJciAg
* Pre-order: https://musclecars.bandcamp.com/album/shelter-building-it-still

New York City-based House duo musclecars have been steadily building a formidable reputation within underground dance circles in their hometown. With the creation of their Coloring Lessons Party in 2018 (which is now a label), they sought to reinvigorate their city’s dance culture and foster a greater sense of community by highlighting and incorporating styles and genres largely associated with their Black ancestry. Shelter, (Building It Still) is the latest solo EP for the duo on their newly minted label.

	B-side track, “We Go Home Together”, is a gorgeous, patient, amorphous cut of experimental Jazz-House. Its blend of emotive jazz arrangements with a more propulsive club-ready House beat illustrates a meticulous, yet free-form approach to music-making that the duo thrives at. The track starts with a thumping bass and shifty percussion before an ethereal synth wash wraps it in a more gentle veneer. These club-leaning tendencies turn out to be mostly a red herring, as they’re kept mostly at bay throughout the song’s 7-and-a-half-minute runtime. Once the sax emerges, it’s clear musclecars has committed to their own unique brand of soulful, genre-agnostic House.

	As the track hits the halfway point, a piano-line suited for a classic Disco House cut signals yet another new avenue the duo seems keen on exploring. Despite their restless spirit, they never feel as if they’re trying to push too hard in one direction, ultimately allowing the track’s multifarious parts to playfully and organically interact with one another. Here, the duo prove just what naturals they are at concocting such ineffably blissful, melodically soothing dance music.

Shelter (Building It, Still)

PREMIERE: Musclecars - We Go Home Together

London Hooligan Soul

I Don't Know

“Watch out for a great singer from New Zealand called Arjuna Oakes” - Gilles Peterson (BBC Radio 6 Music)

Motel is a song about feeling stuck in life but using that pent up energy to propel yourself into the future. 

"The imagery of being stuck in a shitty motel room just felt like it resonated well. I wanted the groove to feel relentless, and the psychedelic production to hint at the darker themes at play."

The deeply infectious drive of this sleazy and delirious beat, dressed up in the false luxury of fender rhodes and glistening synths is hard to put down - and then comes the twist in the tail. 

"I had recorded a demo years ago and ended up using the vocal take from it because it had a rawness that I loved. We went into the studio to record drums and bass live."

"The second half of the song is my homage to D'Angelo and the Soulquarians who've been a big influence on me. It features some incredible kiwi musicians including Sam Notman on drums, Harrison Scholes on bass, Jo Jenkins on guitar and James Macewan on Trumpet."

Arjuna Oakes is an accomplished singer/songwriter, pianist, composer and producer from New Zealand, currently based in London. Following the release of his debut EP ‘The Watcher’ in 2019, Arjuna has released another six projects all to widespread acclaim. Two EP's ‘First Nights’ and ‘Final Days’ are a collaboration with longtime friend and co-producer Serebii, released by LA-based record label Innovative Leisure (BADBADNOTGOOD, Allah-Las). First Nights debuted at #5 on KCRW's top 30 Albums chart and has had extensive play on BBC6 and BBC1xtra.

Arjuna Oakes' first release on Albert's Favourites is a heady and confident statement that we're sure is going to leave people very excited for what's to come.

Motel

Download

Arjuna Oakes - Motel

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bookings for dj sets and live-shows: booking@best-works.com

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