In Review: Bicep – Isles

I’ve been waiting so long to write this review – as long as I have been waiting for this new album (three years). I know I’m late posting this review as it was released almost a month ago on the 22nd January 2021, however I needed to make sure I got this absolutely right so have been taking my time to write snippets whilst listening to the hell out of the Isles. This is probably going to be the most biased review I have ever written, and maybe even ever will write.

The second album from the dynamic dance duo Bicep, Isles is one of the most, certainly in my opinion, highly anticipated albums of the last three years. Following the major success of the release of their first, self titled eponymous album in 2017, the Belfast-born, London-based pair are finally back to the dance scene with another masterpiece.

The opening track, Atlas, was the first of four singles to be released. I first heard this at their Warehouse Project night in 2019 with Jeff Mills, Hammer, DJ Seinfeld and loads more; where they played a DJ set rather than a live one as this was the year they were taking a hiatus from the live sets as they were working on the album. I believe this was the first time they played this to an audience at an event, but wasn’t officially released until March 2020. Immediately I was transfixed. It is slow but euphoric and takes you on a journey to a different planet through time and space. They were teasing this track for a while whilst it was still unreleased before announcing the new album. This track also features a sample from Israeli artist Ofra Haza’s “Love Song”.

Track two, Cazenove features soft vocal samples and haunting melodies. This one is perfect for a 4am sunrise setting.

Apricots and Saku are the next two tracks on the album, both of which were the next two of the four singles released. Apricots samples Malawian singers and a Bulgarian choir. Saku touches on UK garage and features vocals from UK based Clara La San, who is featured twice on the album, in Saku and X. I really love the lyrics in Saku, “Shouldn’t be the one who’s alone // I deserve somebody // Can’t say that the feeling was strong // Know you’re thinking of me”. I think this is definitely my favourite of the four singles released and was my favourite single at the time of its release.

The fifth track, Lido, is probably my favourite on the album. Ambient, melodic and tranquil, it features monk-like vocal samples and it is a goose bump stimulating, beautiful track. The deep synths in this track remind me of “My Name On A Car” from Drive’s soundtrack, which is my favourite film of all time, and anyone who knows me knows how much I adore the soundtrack too.

X is the second single on the album featuring Clara La San and previewed the evening prior to release on Annie Mac’s BBC Radio 1 show where she co hosted the show with Bicep. It has an electro feel, with a touch of Detroit techno.

Rever features Julia Kent, a Canadian born cellist. This is also a very emotive track, with a Moderat type beat to it, and sampled a Bulgarian choir again.

Breakbeat number Sundial was the fourth and final single to be released. It is deeper with more of a bass sound, and features middle eastern like sounds, with a sample of Bollywood song, “Jab Andhera Hota Hai”.

Fir starts off quite slow and melodic and gradually gets more intense about two minutes in with its catchy synth lines. This is another one which gave me goose bumps, even more so thinking about seeing this one played live. This is well and truly a kaleidoscopic anthem.

Hawk is the final track on the album and is a really nice closing track, it ties the whole album together really brilliantly. I would say this is on the same level as Orca which is the opening track on the first album in the sense of its power to really bring feeling and atmosphere to the album.

So my overall verdict would be: it isn’t as good as the first album then again I think I was expecting that anyway just due to the first being one of my favourites of all time and considering its sentimental value to me, it will always have a space in my heart for many reasons. I also think they should have released less than four singles to keep us fans wanting more and increase the anticipation even more so. However, Matt and Andy have absolutely smashed it once again, as they always do. They have provided us with another album of pure euphoria.

After a horrendous past year for the dance music scene and industry, this album is a well needed pick me up for us all, and I truly believe it is the start of better times coming our way. There is no one else out there who can produce like these two, and no one even comes close to sounding anything like them, they are masters at what they do. I cannot wait for their live stream on the 26th February, and to see them in the flesh again *hopefully* this year.

Stream the album now:

On Repeat: January

The first On Repeat post of 2021 explores my favourite tracks I have been listening to in January. Again, this includes both new and old releases, and in no particular order:

Skin On Skin – Opps On Tha Block – First up is this powerful track from South Sudan Born, Australian based DJ Skin On Skin. This is the second track from his EP Get Some Understanding, which is the first EP released on his record label Stay On Sight Recordings. This track packs a hard hitting bassline with the iconic Skin on Skin sound.

Demuja – Now You Know – This garage track (UK Vibes) from Austrian based Demuja released on the EP of the same name has a 90s feel to it, with an MC sample to help it really flow and provides a real catch to it too. A brilliantly versatile DJ and producer, this track shows the ability he has to create not only house and deep disco, but garage too.

DJ Seinfeld – Dreams of U and Me Above the Mezcal Moon – DJ Seinfeld has been one of my favourite DJs and producers for about four years now, and he excels every time. This is the first track from his latest release, Mezcalita EP; and is both euphoric and uplifting. A really nice opener to the EP from Seinfeld here, and really sets the tone for the rest of the release.

Earth Trax – Truth – Main Street Mix – Truth is a track I had discovered on one of my Spotify daily mixes, I had heard of Earth Trax before from Computer Data’s remix of I’m Not Afraid but never really listened to him until I heard this. This is another track with an almighty bassline throughout, and really captured my attention as a listener. A house track that really packs a punch and makes you want to move.

Mr Sosa – Horsepower – This is Mr Sosa’s second time in a row to feature in the On Repeat series, I just couldn’t help but feature him again. Horsepower is a track from his two track 2020 single of the same name. It is more upbeat and faster than So Much Funk, which was the track I spoke about in last month’s article. It is more energetic and something you can dance to, rather than relax to. Mr Sosa’s production skills are top notch, and is definitely one to look out for this year.

Louis Culture, Lord Apex, Lava La Rue – Culture for 17 – South West London rapper Louis Culture collaborated with fellow UK hip hop artists Lord Apex and Lava La Rue for this 2019 track. Both the instrumentals and verses in this track are fire, it is an absolutely solid bop. 2021 will be a big year for the three of them as they emerge from the underground scene.

Lana Del Rey – Born To Die – Throwing it back to the real, o.g me with this one. It has been nine years this month since Born To Die (Lana’s first album) was released so I have been re-listening to this album for its anniversary, and it still feels exactly like it did when I first listened all those years ago. Born to Die was the second single from the album to be released after Video Games, since which I have been completely and utterly obsessed with her. Born To Die is one of my favourite songs of all time as well as one of my favourites from this album. There is an incredible storytelling element and it has quite a melancholic feel to it, much like a lot of her work that she is notorious for. The video for this song also goes beautifully with it, with unique symbolism such as at the beginning when she is sat on a throne with a tiger either side of her. Re-listening to the album has only made me more excited for her next one, Chemtrails Over The Country Club which is out in March.

Brent Faiyaz, Tyler, The Creator – Gravity -Gravity is the latest single from alternative R&B artist Brent Faiyaz, with a feature from rapper Tyler, The Creator. Brent’s voice is so beautiful and dreamy and he is one of my favourite people to listen to; Tyler is equally one of the most unique artists out there. I really liked this release from them both, I thought it was a great collaboration and I am looking forward to hearing what they both come up with next.

Mount Kimbie – You Look Certain (I’m Not So Sure) – WXAXRXP Session with Andrea Balency – This track is probably the one I have been listening to the most this month out of all of them. I am a massive indie rock fan as well as dance music of any kind, and this poses exactly those vibes. Whilst Mount Kimbie are more of an electronic duo originating from dubstep, the post punk sound in this song is sublime and Andrea Balency’s vocals work really well too. I definitely prefer this WXAXRXP Session version to the original on Mount Kimbie’s Love What Survives album from 2017, it just sounds a lot nicer and is more melodic and crisp in the sound; it’s very easy on the ear.

Hot Chip – I need You Now – This is, without a doubt, my favourite of this month’s ten tracks. I don’t tend to order them but if I had to pick a top one, this would be it. Formed in 2000, Hot Chip are an electronic / alternative rock band, border lining house and dance music. From their 2015 album, Why Make Sense?, I need you now is beautiful from start to finish and induces goose bumps every time I listen to it. The main sample is from Sinnamon’s I Need You Now, which has been sampled several times in house music tracks, as well as in Joy Orbison and Overmono’s track, Bromley. Arguably one of the best alternative break up songs I have ever heard, it focuses on moving forwards and going after the person you are supposed to be, and dealing with living with yourself. There is a really vulnerable sentiment to this song.

All tracks featured in this month’s On Repeat post can be found in a Spotify playlist to enjoy yourself:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3E0kKPQ1Ot8i1bnMaps4gu?si=R20CYc_yTvCYIRnJW60xrQ

In Review: Levi David – Lust EP

Today’s review takes a look into up and coming Stoke-on-Trent born and raised DJ / producer Levi David’s debut EP, Lust, which was officially released on record label and music blog Zone Focus on New Year’s Eve 2020, with a clear intention to begin the new year with a bang.

Consisting of three tracks, the first one being Divine, sets the tone of the EP with ambient breakbeat sounds, dramatic undertones and melodic progression. This one is probably my favourite track from the three track project, as it is very inviting as though the EP were to tell a story throughout.

Track number two, Entropy, named after a an early 90’s rave night in Levi’s hometown of Stoke-on-Trent, is slightly more upbeat and more dance-y with bright and youthful vocal samples of child-like laughter, giving a nostalgic feel. There is more of a drive to this track, and is an electronic roller at the centre of the EP.

The final and titular track, Lust provides a real melodic and euphoric feel and is a really nice end and touch to the EP and really helps to close it off nicely. There is more of a club / rave appeal and the vocals work well. I even caught myself head bopping to it with an urge to get up and dance.

I really enjoy this EP the more I listen to it; there are also some real old school Bicep and Hammer influences within, which was definitely a bit of me. I would seriously recommend checking this EP out if you’re a fan of them. I am very interested to see what other projects and material he releases in the coming months, especially with his melodic label, JRNI Records.

His next release, Sealed it out on the 12th February.

Stream Lust on Spotify now:

linktr.ee/levidaviduk

On Repeat: December

Whilst everything seems so doom and gloom this Christmas, I’ve been feeling very inspired at the moment, with new post ideas coming to me every day, as with no pubs or clubs to visit I have more time to write. With this post being the first, I’ve decided I want to write a monthly post and share with you my favourite tracks I’ve been loving each month, both new and old. Starting with December, in no particular order:

James Pepper – Stampede (Of the Elephants) – Probably one of my favourite releases from the whole of this year, this deep house groover from Pepper’s All My Wrongs EP is packed full of massive basslines and opening up with some huge synths and subby kicks, creates space for a whole lot of attitude throughout. A real head bopper, I cant wait to hear this in a club space one day.

SBTRKT – Kyoto – Next up is SBTRKT’s (pronounced subtract) Kyoto from his 2016 release Transitions. I discovered this not so long ago on one of my Spotify daily mixes and liked it instantly. I never really listened to SBTRKT properly before until I heard this track other than his previous collaborations with Sampha or with Little Dragon on “Wildfire” which is his most notable work and most played on Spotify, with over 75 million hits. Electric and almost dystopian, a powerful piece of work which is slowly making him one of my favourite producers.

Mr Sosa – So Much Funk – Another one I found from my Spotify daily mixes; this one from Bournemouth based Mr Sosa’s (not to be confused with tech house DJ Sosa) Wayfarer EP features a gorgeous soulful sample and gives off a tropical house vibe perfect for a sunset setting with the sun beating down over a few cocktails – something I’m really missing. I’m a massive fan of Lo-fi, it’s one of my favourite subgenres of dance music overall so this one really stood out to me. Melodic and chill, I’m very much looking forward to future releases from him, I love this track.

DJ Planet Express – Take Me – Recommended to me by a Twitter mutual, Toronto based DJ Planet Express is a lo-fi producer I’ve found and loved recently. This track in particular, described as a “euphoric bop”, hits the nail on the head. Six minutes long and sublime, dreamy pads and simple but effective synths it’s a really nice and relaxing track, definitely one for the afters.

Sharda – Dreamer – A UK Garage track, Dreamer was recommended to me by a friend after I heard him play it in his car and I LOVED it. I’ve been getting into a lot more garage this year too as well as house and techno (predominantly after watching People Just do Nothing) and this track released on Conducta’s Kiwi records by Manchester based Sharda is an definite wobbler with some clear DJ EZ influences. Frankly, until clubs are open again, this should be played in kitchens across the nation in the early morning hours; it is an absolute stinker of a tune.

Azealia Banks – 1991 – A controversial character to say the least, one thing Azealia Banks also is, is iconic. After Liquorice came back into the light thanks to TikTok, I have fallen in love with this EP all over again and have rekindled my 2015 Azealia Banks obsession. Her lyrical flow is like no other; she is one of the greatest female rappers I have ever heard, if not the best and the beats behind the lyrics in the opening track of 1991 are serious hip shaker inducers.

Wajatta – Runnin’ – Slightly more upbeat, this is yet another recent discovery from my Spotify daily mixes and happy, joyful vibes flow throughout. From the 2018 Casual High Technology album by duo Reggie Watts (also actor and comedian) and John Tejada, Watts’ booming vocals which are arguably instrumental and Tejada’s production create the perfect combination of sound that makes me feel like I should be dancing away a Detroit club.

Bicep – Saku – I can only imagine everyone’s surprise reading that I have mentioned Bicep on this list, not. This is the third single released from the new album which comes out in January, after Atlas and Apricots. This is definitely my favourite release from Bicep so far from the new album. The vocals from Clara La San are absolutely stunning and I really like the lyrics in this one too. There is a lot of emotion captured within this one which tends to be the case with their music, partly why I adore them so much. I’m absolutely itching for the new album and am counting down the days for my pre order!

MRD – Reach My Hand – Norweigan MRD is definitely one of my favourite techno DJs of all time and this recent release on Amelie Lens’s Exhale records on the Exhale VA001 compilation album proves why . MRD does not hold back on this track, going straight into thumping beats like a lot of his other tracks, but mellowing out slightly around two minutes in, creating a sense of harmony and euphoria with some guitar that sounds like something from an indie coming of age film soundtrack (New Order-esque for example) and then back to the more aggressive sounding techno, showing the versatility and range of his musical skills.

Fatima Yamaha – Bar-Bodega “That’s It!” – I won’t say too much about this one as I already have something in the pipeline for a new series I am going to start in the new year which will feature this track and this album, but this one is from Yamaha’s new album, “Spontaneous Order” and is my favourite from it so far. Groovy from the start, it oozes funk and has the same distinctive sound that makes Fatima Yamaha’s music instantly recognizable.

So these were my top ten tracks for December. Thank you so much for reading, I hope you enjoyed this as much as I loved writing it. Here’s to a better 2021 for everyone and lets see what musical discoveries I can make next year. You can find a link below to a playlist I made with all ten December favourites on:

Merry Christmas, Ruthless xxx

In Review: Deftones – Ohms

Deftones have returned to the nu-metal scene with their 4 year awaited Ohms, their now 9th studio album. 

Chino Morino and the ‘Tones have maintained the same erotic feel and mysteriously alluring lyrics that makes them and their sound both iconic and recognisable. This new 10 track album has the sound and tone of their older, more original material without being too identical to previous releases. 

Compared to their last album, Gore, they have triumphed with the release of Ohms. Released in 2016, Gore was also released after a four year hiatus from the Sacramento metal band. This was my least favourite album of theirs – it was decent, but mediocre at best, so my hopes weren’t too high; as with any other band who takes a break their newer releases don’t exactly tend to be mind blowing. However as Chino said himself, he didn’t want to let the fans dictate how they sound and that release was a “welcome back” to the scene, for which they can’t be faulted for. They have managed to exceed my expectations by a mile with Ohms, the album as a whole is outstanding to say the very least.

To produce the album, Deftones reunited with Terry Date, whom the band haven’t worked with since 2008 when creating the unreleased “Eros”. He produced their first four albums (Adrenaline, Around the Fur, White Pony and Deftones self titled), all of which are classics in any rock music collection, White Pony being my absolute all time favourite, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year.

Opening with Genesis, the second single released from the album, they capture your attention immediately with Chino’s piercing vocals and intense instrumentals. My favourite of the two singles, I preferred this track to Ohms but both are brilliant and a great way to re introduce themselves back into the rock and metal world. Ohms, the first single and the title name of the album, was really refreshing to hear, and the anticipation for the album gave me something to look forward to in the midst of a pandemic with a second lockdown looming. Urantia uses thrash metal-esque riffs from guitarist Stephen Carpenter to make the album even heavier along with The Spell of Mathematics which has one of the greatest riffs on the entire album. Pompeji features seagull samples and synths at the end for a more atmospheric feel that is beautifully cinematic, changing the whole setting of the song. There’s a Pink Floyd type of influence here, which I loved. The composition of the tracks throughout made them all fit together perfectly and I never find myself bored waiting for the next one to play or skipping any songs. Other honourable mentions include: Error, The Link is Dead, Headless. 

So far I’ve only seen and heard positive thoughts on Ohms and I cannot wait to finally, hopefully, see them play live at Download Festival next year. There’s one thing for sure, Deftones are back with a vengeance and I may even go as far to say that 2020 has been saved by this album. 

Stream the full album now:

A Freshly Rebranded Blog

So I’ve finally started to blog again. I’ve been wanting to do this for quite some time now, for over a year at least, but just never got round to it and I was struggling to find things to write about. I kept putting it off but now I feel like its finally time and that I’m ready to do this now. I said 2020 was going to be my year but then Coronavirus happened so I guess I’ll try again next near. But for now, I can focus on this. I’m working from home now and due to lock down I can’t go anywhere or see anyone, so what better time than now for me to start again? I finally have the time for it. As if it took a global pandemic for me to actually sit down and do it.

I’ve always considered myself a great writer and started my old blog a few years ago when I did a couple of reviews on skincare products and stuff because I thought it would just be an easy way to kick it off. Truth be told, I never really had a great interest for what I was writing about which is probably why I wrote about three posts and then stopped. I just didn’t take myself seriously enough and then lost interest because I wasn’t writing about things I really wanted to write about. I’ve really got a great passion for writing, cinema, and music and probably lots of other things too but they are the main things that stand out to me. So I thought you know what, why not combine all three and put it into my blog?

I had a tough year last year and certain things have knocked me and my confidence and that’s made me not want to write either. Then when I wanted to I kept finding that I just kept making excuses, saying, “yeah I’ll start my blog soon” “I’ll do it next week” “I’ll do it after I’ve done this”. I don’t want to be like that anymore. I feel like I have so much to say and so much I am really passionate about that I want to put into words on a platform for people to read so I can share it with other people too. For now, this is just a hobby but if I can orientate any future work around it that would be even better.

I’ve decided to re start my blog all together from scratch so I can really focus on what I want to write about and also to improve my writing skills. I struggle with anxiety a lot too (even more so now because of COVID-19 and the cabin fever is starting to get to me), so it helps me to get everything down on paper (or in this case online). Social media is the devil and I cant seem to get off my phone, ever, and I want to try and stop the habit. I do really enjoy writing and I find its a massive distraction that really helps me when I want to forget about any bad thoughts feelings or if I’m having a bad day I’ll plan in my head something I want to write because I can take all the negative energy and project it into something positive and actually make something productive out of it. Two birds one stone eh.

So in terms of things I’ll be posting, I really want to start reviewing again so I’ll review films, albums, EP’s and possibly do a few write ups on events I go to such as raves, gigs etc. I don’t want to say I’m only going to be posting those because its very specific and I know I already have ideas of posts in my head of things I want to write about, completely unrelated to those, or that don’t fit that structure. I’m just going to write about anything that I get an idea on. However given the new title of  this blog (yes I know its cringe but taking into considering I love techno and my name is Ruth I’d say its a good play on words), I do want to mainly try and focus on music related posts. That, and cinema are my two main loves in life. I’ve been brought up around both my whole life and they play such a big part of my life now that I owe enough credit to them to concentrate my writing solely on them. Given everything that’s going on in the world, I’m hoping I can provide a real morale boost for anyone who needs it, via these two topics, or anything else.

I hope you enjoyed reading this first post and I cant wait to share more with you.

Ruth xxx