The prolific Manchester-based artist known as Robot Needs Oil has been found covertly recording downtempo and hip hop-fueled beats under the curious name of My Neighbour Is. This guise has now yielded the third album for the Cold Busted label in just under six months. The previous two, Fish & Chips and Metaphysical Juicer, were for the b-boys and then the skankers, but this one is strictly for the shakers. That’s right, My Neighbour Is … is in a funk. A wake-up call for the hips, Hot Cakes, Cold Drinks, & Scrambled Eggs is the title for the album, featuring eleven tracks of heavy soul and funk combined with the prerequisite dope beats. Arise and smell the stank aromas wafting in from the wah-wahs of rhythmic guitars, sliding over on-beat/off-beat afro percussion, and rubbing in big band motifs that say it’s okay to be horny in the morning. One might get a familiar whiff of a riff here and there, but don’t say ‘samples’ … the word is ‘homage.’ Cuts with titles like “Legs Quarter To 3,” “I Want My Multipack,” and “Don’t Stop My Gran Torino” are sure to quickly energize the deadest of dance floors. So wipe those weary eyes and watch the early daylight dance to the break of dawn with some Cold Busted and My Neighbour Is … it’s on!

My Neighbour Is - Masterpeas

☆★★ https://bit.ly/GREYSCALE12 ★★☆

A heavyweight lineup of dub techno talent comes together for a deep and textured journey. Krystian Shek's Promise features two original productions from himself alongside with reworks from Yagya and grad_u. As a bonus, this collection expands even further with digital-exclusive remixes from Raytek and Noosa Sound System that come with the original purchase. Milly James returns to the label, lending her amazing voice to a release that bridges atmospheric depth with driving rhythm.
'Glow & Shine' locks into a hypnotic groove from the outset, its analog warmth and weighty percussion forming a solid foundation. A crisp snare and hi-hat pattern provide an irresistible swing, while chords and vocals land together in perfect sync, draped in a rich layer of delay. Spacey breakdowns allow the ride cymbal to subtly emerge, giving the track an evolving energy. The closing moments strip things back, with the chords guiding everything to a natural finish. 'Better That Way' shifts into a more melodic space, balancing intricate drum programming with an emotive vocal delivery. The initial rhythmic stutter adds a unique touch before settling into a flowing beat. As layers build, the chords and voice intertwine seamlessly, evoking a deep, contemplative feel. The breakdown smooths everything out, allowing the track to breathe before a striking bassline shift in the final section brings fresh momentum. The last ambient passage is particularly stunning, offering a moment of reflection.
The legendary Icelandic producer Yagya creates his interpretation of 'Glow & Shine' sees it drifting into dreamlike territory, wrapping the original’s elements in a lush, aquatic atmosphere. More of a song than a club tool, it glides effortlessly, capturing a serene, almost weightless mood. On the flip side, grad_u reshapes 'Better That Way' into a crisp, rolling dub excursion. Airy chords swirl above a commanding groove, with well-placed melodic flourishes adding an elegant touch. The arrangement continuously morphs, deepening its hypnotic pull.
Raytek’s remix of 'Glow & Shine' injects a sharper rhythmic intensity, pushing the track into darker, more driving territory. The vocal treatment becomes a focal point, cleverly reshaped to make the singing the true hook. Meanwhile, Noosa Sound System takes 'Better That Way' into stripped-down, immersive terrain. The off-kilter drum work and layered percussion create a mesmerizing flow, while the winding structure makes it a DJ-friendly tool.
This well-rounded collection that explores multiple shades of dub techno, this release has both dancefloor energy and introspective depth. With a strong roster of contributors, it delivers a blend of classic textures and fresh perspectives.


w&p Krystian Shek
lyrics & vocals by Milly James
Remixes by Yagya, grad_u, and digital bonus remixes by Raytek & Noosa Sound System

Photography: Rima Prusakova
Design by Artūras Kirslys

Write-up by Tim Humphrey

Pressed with love at Matter Of Fact, Germany.


☆★★ https://bit.ly/GREYSCALE12 ★★☆

Promise

Get it here

Promise (Incl. Yagya & grad_u remixes) - GREYSCALE12

Toto Bona Lokua - Naleki (Singularis Remix)

Krystian Shek - Дух Внутри Нас

Format: CD, Digital
Pre-order: 16th May 2025
Release date: 22nd May 2025

Write-up by Tim Humphrey:
Frankfurt-based artist Krystian Shek returns with As You Wish, his first full-length album since 2022's Suddenly, once again released on Rohs! Records. This latest album deepens Shek's exploration of ambient textures, where nature and synthetic elements seamlessly intertwine, creating an impactful listening experience that is both emotive and cinematic.

The album opens with 'Skin Like Silk', where the gentle sound of running water provides a tranquil backdrop. Swirling synths subtly replace the natural ambience, illustrating a transformation from organic to digital. The delicate piano tones in the distance add a breathtaking depth, eventually fading out like echoes through a tunnel. It sets an exquisite example for what follows. 'Miss You' introduces birdsong and an ominous undercurrent, blending keys and synths to evoke a wistful, somber mood. As the track progresses, the atmosphere swells and drifts, carrying a sense of fleeting memories that dissolve like clouds. It feels deeply personal, almost like the soundtrack to a long-forgotten film reel. On 'Never Touched', Shek incorporates the sound of rain hitting a sidewalk, underpinned by rich low frequencies that resonate deeply. The melody is riveting, striking an ideal balance between piano and synths. As the rain returns in the conclusion, it leaves the listener with a profound sense of closure. The title track, 'As You Wish', is where Shek's mastery of effects truly shines. The piano remains the centerpiece, but it is the lingering low tones and the gradual mid-track swell that give this piece its momentum. It feels like a journey, full of movement and emotional resonance. 'Without You' shifts the tone to something more eerie, with digital waves replacing water. The atmosphere suggests mystery, almost cinematic in its suspense, adding variety to the album's soundscape. The final track, 'In Your Eyes'. is a important last moment. A rich, passionate vocal performance adds honesty and depth, while the familiar swelling keyboard textures maintain the album's cohesive, soundtrack-like quality. It serves as a powerful and unique conclusion.

As You Wish is an evocative, meticulously crafted album where each track tells a story. Shek continues to demonstrate his ability to blend natural and synthetic elements with emotional depth, leaving the listener both moved and mesmerised.

Copyright © 2025 ROHS! RECORDS, All Rights Reserved

previews. Krystian Shek - As You Wish | ROHS!

LOML (w/ Shaka Lion)

Anastasia

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Show #699 | Soul, Dub, & Future Beats

The prolific Manchester-based artist known as Robot Needs Oil has been found covertly recording downtempo, reggae and funk hip hop fueled beats under the curious name of My Neighbour Is.My Neighbour Is is a candid Funk / Reggae that exudes freshness, crafted with style and a love for the music making for a soulful and rhythmic experience.Hes rhythmically superior, a real enjoyment showing in every song is creative, innovative Funk / Reggae for today.

bookings & remixes: greg@robotneedsoil.com