February 2012
16 posts
8 tags
Pale - Why'd You Even Say EP
Scrolling past the remixes of the latest Maribou State EP on the Fat! Records Soundcloud (the Pedestrian remix is worth a listen) and I stumble across this lovely little EP by Pale. More subtle than his previous release on Bullet Train Records, the ‘Why’d You Even Say’ EP is a soundscapey gem defined by lush pads over sharp choppy beats.
Pale ‘Fille’ by Fat!...
8 tags
Roska
Workaholic bass titan Roska should be a familiar name to any UK electronic music fanatic. Label owner, DJ and beatsmith, his output is frequent and always bang on. He is a man who seemingly refuses to sleep. March 19 sees the release of Plates Volume 3, the latest compilation from Tectonic Recordings, which features Roska’s latest original ‘480BC’. Always hyped by his releases, we...
5 tags
In The Mix 005 - Whole Sick
In The Mix 005 - Whole Sick by Loosesynths on Mixcloud
That old saying about there being ‘no buses for ages and then two come along at once…’ seems to apply to our mix series this month. After a proper crate digging session from Dickon Stone for 004 last week, we return swiftly for 005 with a mix from one of our favourite DJ’s at the moment, Whole Sick.
One of...
4 tags
Soltek presents A1 Bassline & Arkist - 24/02/12
For those of you wondering what to do this weekend, the chaps at Soltek have put together a stellar line up for their next bash down in the CAMP basement this Friday. Topping the bill they’ve got Tighten Up head honcho and Dirtybird new boy A1 Bassline whose recent releases have had alot of attention from all the right places. He’ll be joined by Bristolian bass cadet Arkist, who has put...
4 tags
LR Groove
There is a feature on FACT currently which begins with the writer posing the question; ‘Whatever happened to UK Funky?’ and goes on to lament the loss of UK dance music’s “rudeboy energy in favour of a sickly-sweet, synthed-out style which, depressingly, prospered and proliferated, and now dominates major clubs and the dance stages at festivals all over the world.”...
3 tags
In The Mix 004 - Dickon Stone
In The Mix 004 - Dickon Stone by Loosesynths on Mixcloud
The fourth instalment of our irregular mix series is slightly unusual in that it was made and then we asked retrospectively if we could feature it in the series. His first solo mix in nearly two years, Dickon sent it over to ask our opinion, and we loved it so much that we asked if it could be featured.
Based in Berlin, he has...
5 tags
Valentines Day Grooves - Hudson Mohawke and...
It’s that time of year again for de-icing your heart (ignoring the fact that Valentines Day is a heavily manufactured method for selling greetings cards and cheap red tat) and telling that special someone how much you love them.
This year both Hudson Mohawke and Deadboy are on hand to soundtrack this for you with some smooth grooves. Hudmo turns in Vol. 5 of his annual slow jams series...
4 tags
Spam Chop - Fritz (Free Download)
Fresh off the back of releasing his wicked Cuckup EP on Mimm Recordings, Spam Chop has just announced he’s giving away a free download of new tune ‘Fritz’ via Mixmag online. Just over 9 minutes long, it’s a fine example of his idiosyncratic take on techno and it’s the best free download you’ll get this month, let alone this week.
Download here
7 tags
Loose Synths 005 - The Living Graham Bond...
After the madness of our Christmas Party (Echo Empire!) we are kicking of 2012 with one of our favourite DJs of the moment - The Living Graham Bond. He’s been turning heads for the last year or so with his shit hot, bass heavy productions which have seen him get some major love from the likes of Redlight, Diplo and Zinc. If you don’t know this guy then now is the time to get...
2 tags
South London Ordnance
When I first picked up on South London Ordnance a couple of months back, it was his finely honed percussion heavy tracks that made him stand out in an ever increasing crowd of producers who are following a similar route. Keeping a certain degree of anonymity online, he’s let the focus remain on his tunes (with a Soundcloud that is constantly switching up with different dubs) and this seems...
5 tags
Ifan Dafydd - Treehouse (Video)
Easily one of the most exciting artists to emerge in recent times, Ifan Dafydd’s new 12” for Push & Run is one my favourite releases so far this year. He has just dropped a beautifully shot video for A side ‘Treehouse’. Directed by Yoni Lappin, the video follows Ifan’s movements across a day as he travels around London slowly dressing up as a panda. Everything...
3 tags
Timbah - Eski Hugz VIP
Eski Hugs VIP (played by Mary Anne Hobbs on XFM) by Timbah_
I wouldn’t normally call a tune ‘epic’ because it’s cheesy as fuck, but there are few other words that do ‘Eski Hugz VIP’ justice. An absolute stormer, it’s the standout cut from Timbah’s debut EP ‘Can’t Love Without You’ released on Bad Taste Records last month.
...
3 tags
DJ Q - Brandy & Coke
LOCWHITE003. DJ Q - Brandy & Coke by Local Action Records
Two killer UKG cuts from DJ Q released as a white label via the on-point Local Action Records. Organs, Brandy samples and some shit hot drums, this’ll be causing some dance floor damage all year long! Out February 14th on tasty red vinyl.
Pre order here
3 tags
Artifact
(Photo by Ellie Kynaston) Bristol based producer Artifact, aka Ryan Bonfield, represents something of a new wave of producers who look set to break through in 2012. He’s just had his first 12” out late last month on Deadplate, which recieved incredibly positive reviews across the board and gained him a number of high profile fans including Mary Anne Hobbs for whom he recently did a...
5 tags
Mickey Pearce - Don't Ask Don't Get
To say that Swamp 81 are killing it at the moment would be something of an understatement. The vinyl only, Loefah curated label has become something of a ‘buy on sight’ entity for me as it continues to put out some of the best music around. Swamp 018 features two tracks from Mickey Pearce who may well be more familiar to some of you under his old guise as ‘Shortstuff’....
4 tags
Shooting Horses - Lekker EP
I’d be letting myself down if I didn’t push this… My debut EP was released yesterday on DubNoir Music. Out as an exclusive on Beatport for the next month, go grab it right HERE.
DNM027 - SHOOTING HORSES - LEKKER EP W/ CHAOS IN THE CBD REMIX (DUBNOIR) OUT NOW by DubNoir Music
Oh, and I done a promo mix too init! Press the little arrow on the player below to download it.
...
January 2012
17 posts
4 tags
The Kowton Vs Dusk EP
Kowton - ‘Looking At You’ by BOILER ROOM
Good to see Keysound continuing the quality output after a very strong 2011 with releases from LV, Sully and Damu that all shone out. The Kowton Vs Dusk EP does exactly what it says on the tin, with it’s two sides split between label owner Dusk and Bristol based producer, Kowton. Dusk’s contribution ‘Fraction’ is...
7 tags
Flinkmapingo - 28/01/12
Flinkmapingo is a new monthly night at Visions Video Bar in Dalston, kicking off this Saturday with the one and only Nat Self. Mr Self has caused a bit of stir in the past few years, both through his solo productions and as one half Zombie Disco Squad where his bouncy, percussive house tunes have bought a much needed dose of fun to the dancefloor. If you’ve still got some life in you...
4 tags
CDBL - XXXIV (Les Petits Bruits Exclusive Mix)
I don’t often like to post mixes but the tune selection on this CDBL Exclusive Mix for Les Petits Bruits is lush. Showcasing a balanced mix of the old and the new, including a cheeky peak at their latest original Gangsta’s Anthem, grab this one for your ipod here.
CDBL - XXXIV (Les Petits Bruits Exclusive Mix) by CDBL
Tracklisting:
01. Eats Everything - The Size [Dirtybird] ...
2 tags
T. Williams - Can We
Huge tune from T.Williams forthcoming on Enchufada sometime in early 2012. Chopped vox from Terri Walker and a monster bassline. Can’t wait for it to drop.
4 tags
PressPausePlay
PressPausePlay is a new film by David Dworsky and Victor Kohler that explores the digital revolution and its impact on culture and the creative process. Beautifully shot and full of interesting interviews, the film tries to tackle the question: “does democratized culture mean better art, film, music and literature or is true talent instead flooded and drowned in the vast digital ocean...
13 tags
Loose Synths @ XOYO - 27/1/12
We are rather excited to announce that we are going to be hosting Room 2 for the launch of XOYO’s brand new ‘Versus’ nights on the 27 January. Kicking off with a bang, Versus have asked Ms Dynamite to handpick her favourite DJ’s for Room 1 including Shy FX, Doorly and Yasmin plus more rigged in as support.
Room 2 is curated by us, and as such we’ve chosen two of...
5 tags
Machinedrum - SXLND EP
MACHINEDRUM - SXLND by LuckyMe Music Art Parties
Machinedrum graces these pages a fair bit due to being fucking great and this doesn’t look set to change anytime soon given the quality of his new EP for LuckyMe. After the awesome jungle and juke excursions of his Room(s) LP and the monster that was his Alarma EP, Travis Stewart (as he’s known to his parents) returns with...
17 tags
Loose Synths Podcast 007
Loose Synths Podcast 007 by Loosesynths on Mixcloud
If you’ve missed the dulcet tones of Shooting Horses and Spokes occasionally introducing their favourite tunes then your wait is up. We’re back in the game with a brand new podcast to kick off 2012. The usual mixture of great songs and awkward chat.
Tracklist: 01. Kelly Rowland - Motivation (Jacques Greene Remix) 02....
5 tags
Objekt - Cactus/Porcupine
Hessle Audio have just dropped the news that their first release of the year (HES019) will be a 12” from one of my favourite producers of 2011; Objekt. The two tunes ‘Cactus’ and ‘Porcupine’ have featured in the sets of various DJ’s from the Hessle camp in 2011 and Ben UFO included Cactus on his contribution to the Rinse Mix CD series late last year, where the...
4 tags
Disclosure - Tenderly/Flow
Tenderly/Flow by Disclosure.
Disclosure have been bubbling on my radar for the past few months now, releasing a couple of EP’s that have shown some good potential. The duo, comprised of brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence have been steadily honing their skills with each release and the hard work has paid off in their new single for Make Mine. Easily the most accomplished tunes...
5 tags
Spam Chop - The Cuckup EP
Cuckup (Forthcoming MiMM002 12”) by Spam Chop-Wigflex
Nottingham’s finest export since Lace and Raleigh Bikes, Spam Chop (aka Lukas Cole) has recently dropped a EP for Mimm Recordings. The Wigflex head honcho has put together a three-tracker showcasing his love of techno. Title track ‘Cuckup’ lets the bass and drums take the back seat in favour of...
5 tags
Jacques Greene - Concealer
I’d forgotten what a great time of year it is for amazing releases. Out on the 30th of January on Vase, Jacques Greene returns with a stonker of an EP. A little darker than his 2011 output, the 4 tracks still carry his luscious trademark pad sounds and melodic chopped vocals but Concealer finds him pushing into deeper territories.
It’s hard to pick a favourite but the sub-tones on...
5 tags
Jamie Grind - Rum n Raisin EP
Rum n Raison is now not only my favourite flavour of ice cream but The Wicked Bass’ debut EP of 2012 and it’s pretty cool. Pop flavours on the Jamie Grind original with two remixes from newbie UK bass stalwarts, Hackman and Throwing Snow. A Night In Detroit goes a little deeper and adds a maturer balance to the release. Generally very nice.
[WB007] Jamie Grind - Rum n Raisin EP...
9 tags
Butterz - 2012 Winter Zip (Free Download)
It’s not exactly a state secret that we are fans of Butterz round these parts. Elijah and Skilliam’s ever consistent grime label had a stellar year in 2011, putting out great tunes from the likes of TRC, P Money, Trim, Swindle, Royal T, Terror Danjah and S-X. The duo then topped off the year with an excellent compilation for Rinse that showcased the good health of (instrumental)...
4 tags
The Phantom - Voyeur
THE PHANTOM - VOYEUR (Silverback Recordings) 12” by The Phantom
Big props to the ever consistent Sonic Router blog for putting me on to this killer tune from Polish producer The Phantom. Taken from his new EP for Silverback Recordings, Voyeur’s tumbling neon synth lines and funky leanings tick all the right boxes for me. Definitely one for fans of ScratchaDVA, Martin Kemp and...
4 tags
Distal - Hut (Machinedrum Remix)
Distal - Hut (Machinedrum Remix) by Seclusiasis
Serious banger alert courtesy of the Machinedrum remix of Distal’s Hut which was released yesterday. Featured on Distal’s new ‘Eel’ EP, Machinedrum turns in an absolutely nuts footwork remix laced with frenetic snares and hyperactive synths that takes the already hefty original and twists it up a notch. A strong turn...
23 tags
Loose Synths Top 10 for 2011
2011 is done and dusted and we’re really looking forward to seeing what 2012 turns up (a new Actress album? Some new Burial?) but in the meantime we’ve put together a list of tunes that we really love from the past year:
01. Deadboy - Wish U Were Here
02. Rustie - Ultrathizz
03. Jacques Greene - Another Girl
04. Holy Other - Touch
05. Frank Ocean - Swim Good
06....
December 2011
25 posts
22 tags
Free Downloads from Santa's Sack
Great product placement from Santa there, sell out! While the corporate swine is off swigging coke, his hard working elves here at Loose Synths are distributing Christmas gifts and spreading yule tide joy.
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM LOOSE SYNTHS:
(These are certainly not all new but they are definite must-have freebies)
Mount Kimbie - Carbonated (Chris James Refix)
Mount Kimbie - Carbonated...
4 tags
DJ Cra$y - Just E (BrEaCh Remix)
Ben Westbeech’s alter ego Breach is back following on from the huge Fatherless EP that came out last year. This time he’s got a new 12” out on Dirtybird and a first listen suggests it’s just as big as before. Huge tribal drums and a bloke shouting ‘huh’ for 5 minutes shouldn’t work but it really does. Expect this to be massive!
Vinyl only at the...
4 tags
Shooting Horses - Khrushchev (Free Download)
Khrushchev by Shooting Horses
Our man Shooting Horses has just announced a cheeky christmas present in the form of a free download of his tune ‘Khrushchev’, which has become a bit of a dancefloor smasher in his sets over the past 12 months. Feauturing some meaty 808s and a wonky synth lead, its catchier than Avian Flu and guaranteed to get everyone dancing.
You can download it...
4 tags
Joy Orbison & Will Bankhead - Hinge Finger
JOY ORBISON X TTT X HINGE FINGER by The Trilogy Tapes
To celebrate the launch of Joy Orbison and Will Bankhead’s new label ‘Hinge Finger’, Mr Orbison has put together an absolutely shit-hot new mix. Mainly house focused, it features various unreleased JO tracks that have been floating around for the past year. Originally hosted on the Trilogy Tapes label website...
4 tags
Heartbreak - Blaze Up (Roska Remix)
Well this is rather sexy! Roska on the Blaze Up remix with a beautiful bass line, playing the perfect compliment to his trademark tight hard-hitting drums. Out soon on Girls Music.
Hearbreak - Blaze Up (Roska Remix) - Girls Music by roskaroskaroska
SH
5 tags
Beat Dimension NYE party + Pariah vs xxxy Mix
For all you New Year’s Eve sceptics out there, here’s something that’ll get you hot under the collar. Beat Dimension and Trix are bringing the likes of Space Dimension Controller, xxxy and Pariah to East London’s Netil House for a biiiiig party. Heading up Room two will be Breach (AKA Ben Westbeech) alongside Trix residents Finn, Cropper, Sol, Gramrcy, Zorce and Massey...
6 tags
Day 15 & 16 - The Guilty Pleasures Christmas...
Our special guest guilty pleasure today comes in fresh from Mr Graham Bond. Quite the confession - that’s what this is all about! Ho ho ho. Lots of <3 4 da Pop.
Shout out to Bootyandthebeats for her ongoing support for Loose Synths - The Reflex touches her deep.
PS. Don’t forget to join us at CAMP tonight for our Christmas Party with Chamboche on the decks. It’s...
5 tags
Dub Phizix and Skeptical ft. Strategy - Marka
The hype bubbling around this one is just massive. ‘Marka’ sees Dub Phizix and Skeptical rocking the minimal half step vibe in fine style, creating a powerful sense of menace which is further amplified by Strategies frantic lyrical flow which sits perfectly atop. Devastatingly big.
Released December 19th on Exit Records. Pre order here
5 tags
Day 13&14 - The Guilty Pleasures Christmas...
Harry Nilsson giving some coconut based healthcare wisdom on his 1971 hit ‘Put The Lime In The Coconut’.
7 tags
Day 12 - The Guilty Pleasures Christmas Countdown
Deck the halls, it’s a Double D Guilty Pleasure! Two Dillingers (of varying spelling), two genres, quadruple the pleasure? Two massive tracks in their own filthy right.
3 tags
Throwing Snow - Too Polite
Too polite is too good. Throwing Snow’s Latest EP is out today on Local Action Records. Subtle yet aggressive, this is the work of a perfectionist. Although Pyre sounds like a left over track from his Sanctum EP, the title track Too Polite is an inspired homage to jungle with a Throwing Snow edge.
Throwing Snow - Too Polite (clip) by Local Action Records
Buy it here.
SH
4 tags
Ifan Dafydd - To Me
After his strong Miranda/No Good EP which was released as a white label earlier this year, Ifan Dafydd is back with a new release for Push & Run featuring ‘To Me’ on the A Side. Dense and beautiful, the track shows a progression on from his earlier stuff mixing orchestral samples, lush chord sequences and electronics along with cut up vocal samples (of what I assume is...
6 tags
Day 8,9,10 & 11 - The Guilty Pleasures Christmas...
Santa’s Beard! We’ve been rubbish these past few days and left even more doors unopened on our Guilty Pleasures Advent Calendar. To make up for this we’ve got an extra special christmas mixtape from Nottingham beatsmith Kid Fix, who has put together a great selection of contemporary christmas tunes.
Kid Fix Christmas mix 2011 by kid fix
01) Christmas time is here - Vince...
9 tags
Loose Synths Christmas Special
Ho Ho Hoooooes, after our rowdy 1st Birthday party we return to CAMP for our final party of 2011; the Loose Synths Christmas Special. Joining our band of trusty resident DJ’s will be house & disco don Chamboché, whose crate digging DJ sets are not to be missed! We’ve also got a Loose Synths debut from long time cohort Echo Empire, who’ll be going B2B at the end of the night...
4 tags
Day 7 - The Guilty Pleasures Christmas Countdown
This tune is up there with Jaffa Cakes and re-runs of the Fresh Prince for me. Luther’s finest moment, right from the minute the bassist slides his way down the fret board. Glorious!
4 tags
Day 6 - The Guilty Pleasures Christmas Countdown
I’ve deliberated long and hard before admitting to this guilty pleasure. Our most up to date pleasure so far, the Russo-American white “rapper” Kreayshawn and her sidekick hipster Lil Debbie are seen here reppin’ the Oakland hood in the above video. Herself a music video producer, this is in fact Kreayshawn’s second release. How could we forget the infamous Bumpin...
5 tags
James Hand - Roll
I’m not quite sure to do when I see collections of Wingding-like characters like ▲❏l❍❏▼❏❍l❏▲ strewn across the internet, but then again I don’t often hear music with the finesse of James Hand’s ‘Roll’.
He classes it as deep house, but I’m not going to give it that tag - this is beautiful, intricate and inventive that deserves to be listened to with open ears....