Zone Magazine Issue 033 - Jan Johnson

//TUNES
HOUSE & TECHNO // John Ricketts
TOP TUNE //
10
Langbard – Remnants (part 1) [6913 Digital]
Langbard returns to 6931 for his latest EP. Stating that this is the first in a series of Eps, it’s easy to see why it’s
received early support from Solomun, Tale of us and Nic Faciulli to name a few. It’s a great example of his take on
melodic techno. Gently easing you in with the opener “Kroma” , with its undulating arpeggio bass line and synths
washing in and out giving atmosphere. Stripped back after the breakdown, whilst never loosing its groove, it’s a
great opener. Next “Buurn” starts with its frantic bass and synth stabs, whilst a delicate lead line sits of the top.
The drums a simple but effective, and keep things moving along nicely. “Precipice” keeps things dark, with dark
pads being complimented with less sparse percussion adding as another almost melodic element, before the acid
bassline gets things moving. Finally “Remnants” returns to the Eps main sound of melodic synths and arpeggios,
with a rolling bassline. A great EP, full of nice production and melodic element, that give each track enough
character to stand on their own, but also work really well as an EP. Cannot wait for the next one.
https://www.beatport.com/release/remnants-part-one/2917606
8
Roger Da’Silva – In my heart EP [Simma Black]
Since he began djing in 1993, Roger Da’Silva has spent the last 3 decades building a reputation as one of the
undergrounds top house djs. Recently, in the last few years, he has moved into production. This has seen a string
of releases on Zulu, Let there be house, Redisco and Whore House. Now he comes to Simma Black with his new EP.
Kicking things off with title track “In my heart” sitting perfectly between straight up house and tech house. The
piano riff, teased in the first half, perfectly with the vocal, and when combined with the organ stabs, the track has
stacks of attitude. On the flipside “Bring it close to me” is more of the same house/tech crossover. With shuffling
hats and a repeating detuned vocal combining with another infectious piano riff, its full of energy. Both tracks have
a similar feel, and are a showcase for Da’Silva’s fantastic production.
https://www.beatport.com/release/in-my-heart-ep/2885780
RECOMMENDED
V. – Confusion EP [Nautilus Rising]
Lithuanian producer Vidis epkauskas returns to Glasgow based label Nautilus Rising for this epic journey.
Using the EP to convey the same track in 3 distinct stages it’s a very clever idea. “Confusion” starts
things off with its driving drums, heavy snare and rolling hats. Filters are slowly opened and the 303 line that
is the backbone of the track is slowly built up. It’s a great peak time progressive house track. “Confusion
Totale” takes things in an 80s synth-wave style. Its chunky drums, 80s snare accompany the main acid
riff which shines through here. With great synth stabs and bags of atmosphere, its pick of the bunch for me.
Finally, “Confusion finale” rounds things off, keeping the 80s vibe, but going with a more soundtrack feel.
Synths rise and fall, there are pretty much no drums, and everything is allowed to breath and have its own
space. A great EP.
https://www.traxsource.com/title/1214803/confusion-ep
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Sebastian Mullaert – Lightship 612 EP [SIAMESE]
Swedish born Sebastian Mullaert, known as one half of Minilogue, as well as being a respected producer in his own
right, going so far as to working with philharmonic orchestras and industry heavyweights such as Ame. This simple
two track EP is a great representation of his current musical style. As “Lightship 612” combines the frantic and
almost piccolo sounding synths with the bouncy bassline, which merge and come together before separating and
travelling away to their own parts of the mix. The drums shuffle along keeping the energy going. “Is waves” is some
serious deep melodic techno. Pumping drums pound along whilst the shimmering synth lines ride over the top of the
bassline. It verges into electronica a points but is still firmly aimed at the dancefloor. Essential stuff and a great
snapshot of Mullaert’s sound at the moment.
https://www.traxsource.com/title/1219091/lightship-612-ep
Luke Davidson – S.I.T.H [SOKO]
Luke Davidson, aswell as being A&R for Glasgow Undergound, has managed to notch up an impressive batch of
releases already, since starting producing in 2013. Garnering support from highflyers, such as Christoph, Low
Steppa, Flashmob and Anime Edge & Dance. Now he brings his distinct groove to London based SOKO Records.
S.I.T.H doesn’t mess around. This is a track that needs to be played in a club, loud. The kick punches through like a
train, and the lead is a simple riff that gets the point across. Combine that with a bassline that will dislodge your
internal organs, and an acid line that harks back to “in the day” .This will without doubt do the damage on any
dancefloor it’s played on. Keep them coming.
https://www.traxsource.com/title/1283089/s-i-t-h