Sepalcure - Pencil Pimp

Big things from Sepalcure, here. Released on Scuba's Hotflush Recordings, Sepalcure traffic complex beats that draw heavy influence from juke just as much as jungle, often featuring lush and atmospheric synthesizers on top. Pencil Pimp finds the duo in fine form, doing what they do best. They'll be playing this Friday, the 20th of July, alongside Travis Stewart's (of Sepalcure) solo moniker, Machinedrum and somewhat perplexingly, legendary producer and rapper Pete Rock  at 1015 Folsolm in San Francisco.

Kwesachu - Visual Mind Control

This curiosity from Kwesachu, a collaboration between producer Kwes and multi-instrumentalist Micachu instantly caught my ear. The production sounds somewhat murky, although it doesn't obscure the overall effect, as the track is quite compelling. The use of acoustic drums is a somewhat refreshing choice, backing a syncopated synth line and Micachu's harmonious voice. A little bit of a departure from the straight ahead electronic music I tend to post, but a little breather never hurts.

Kahn - Fierce

With all sincerity, I can say that every single one of Kahn's releases to date is gold. As the most prominent member of Bristol's forward-thinking Young Echo collective (recommended listening for sure), Kahn's work is typically experimental in some regard. His versatility as a producer is remarkable; from the old school, dark vibes of Way Mi Defend to the delicate, ethereal whispers of Altar VIP, the quality is consistent and impressive.

While Kahn's tracks can be quite cerebral, there is nothing pensive about 'Fierce'. This is the kind of track you get rowdy to. The pummeling bass line has a visceral, almost drunken swagger to it. Expertly, Kahn keeps the track no-frills to achieve maximum effect, relying on rhythm and bass to get the message across. Can't wait to see this guy on Friday.

Boddika & Joy Orbison - Swims (Alternate Mix)

Apparently I missed the memo on this one until now; heavy hitters Boddika and Joy Orbison joined forces to create this beast of a tune. As can be expected from anything Boddika puts out, the beats are syncopated, minimalistic bliss. While the original iteration of this song is more sparse and emphasizes the percussion, this alternate version adds an infectious 90's style progression to fill out the mix around 2:32. Swims and its alternate mix saw release on Loefah's Swamp 81 records.

Proxima & Nymfo - Headless Housefly

I can't say I really know much about Nymfo or Proxy, but this incisive, dark drum and bass roller speaks for itself. The breaks are expertly implemented and keep the bass line sounding fresh as they switch up throughout the song. This track was released on Frequency, a label which has released early material by a number of producers I admire.

XXXY - You Always Start It

This track is nostalgia in song form. Memories and fragments of times past come into a cohesive whole in my mind like the trailer for a memoir that will never be made. The melody slowly falls in and out of time with the beat, producing glimmering moments of unison that fade again to beautiful imperfection. I live for works like this

Free track by XXXY available here

Roy Davis Jr. Feat. Peven Everett - Gabriel (Live Garage Mix)

It's been a while since I've heard a track so smooth and soulful. A steady, syncopated beat keeps time as a lush bassline, a rhodes piano, and subdued bongos evoke a pleasantly jazzy feel. Without a doubt though, what really makes this track are the absolutely on point vocals. Chilled out vibes for sure.