A compilation of deep-space House Music conjuring up images of the never-ending vastness of the universe. Figuratively speaking, the word ‘Nebulous’ can elicit notions of ‘consternation’, or even an unexplainable creative force. We feel that this compilation, curated by Atjazz, is House Music. Yet, it shouldn’t necessarily be forced into a specific genre category, and therefore, this release should be granted its freedom to permeate ‘throughout space’, if you will.
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There’s a rich sense of heritage to be gained by listening to ‘Cosmic Law’. It’s the new album on Atjazz Record Company from Abel, the distinctly polished house project from renowned DJ and producer, Steve Butler. From catching the house bug in the late 80s as a devout collector, his DJ career went from strength to strength. It saw him perform across some of the UK’s most prestigious nights, not to mention internationally.
Since Abel’s first album, 2017’s ‘Rough or Smooth’, Steve Butler has fraternised with some of the scene’s major players. For ‘Cosmic Law’, he’s also collaborated with some notable talents and musicians. Lloyd Wright delivers guitar and bass performances on the album and is a band member of Smoove and Turrell. Relish bass performance by Stan Woodward and trumpet by Ferg Kilsby, both members of Knats, whilst label mate Ross Hillard, a.k.a., Magic Number, drives ‘Traveller’ with his legendary bass skills. In addition, revel in exquisite vocal performances by both Rona Ray and Sabrina Chyld.
The scene is set as ‘Cosmic Law’ opens with ‘Traveller’. It initiates the theme of journeys through music and life, all in harmony with the universe. ‘Let’s Meet Again’ ushers in atmospheric keys and warm strings. It’s adorned by a trumpet performance that wouldn’t sound out of place in a smoky jazz club in the early hours. Together, they dance over a bouncy, percussive 4×4.
‘Can’t Let You Go featuring Rona Ray’, hears this earthy vocalist paint a picture as emotional as the sentiment behind the title. A bracing performance and a heart-stopping breakdown close this gem. Rona’s second appearance on ‘Cosmic Law’ is ‘In My Dreams’. Its moody verse is switched up a gear by an irresistible chorus, cementing the meaning behind the title of this song. Add a bouncing bass line, and you’re sure to hit repeat.
‘I Just Can’t Wait’ will perk up the ears of anyone passionate about the Balearic sound. It covers an original song by Mandy Smith, and the hugely talented ARCo regular, Sabrina Chyld, takes this classic to new heights. ‘Latin Love’ conveys just that. Nylon-stringed guitar, lush percussion and an uplifting atmosphere ascend us into the early hours.
“The title of this project supports my beliefs in a universal force”, reflected Steve. “After a Deepak Chopra meditation, the album started taking its intended shape, and I was soon connected with the talents of Stan, Ferg and Rona Ray”, he mused.
Include keys, additional production and mentoring courtesy of the owner of the eponymously named home of this release, and we have 11 songs of sheer substance. All convey the force behind this long player’s name. So to sink into this magnificent release, what are you waiting for? Experience ‘Cosmic Law’ now! Available on Atjazz Record Company through all leading streaming and download sites.
Over the past ten years, South Africa’s ‘MPESHNYK’ has crafted his own unique style of reflective electronic music. This collection of tunes isn’t your usual fare, and nor does it follow any current trends. Superbly made and mixed down, this EP opens gently with an ambient landscape piece entitled ‘Infinite Consciousness’: lushness flows from the well-crafted pads and conjures up an array of images to set the tone.
This is then followed by the more upbeat ‘Levitation’: without the definitive stomp of the signature ‘kick drum’ you’d be fooled into thinking that this EP may belong more on the chill tip. Well, don’t be fooled, as tracks 3 and 4 are surely set to ‘bring it’ to the dance floor! ‘Broken’ and ‘Brink of Disaster’ are both testament to the wonderful growth of Mpeshnyk’s abilities where he throws these two brilliant chunks of talent onto the table, with impressive skill and great determination. This is certainly a man you should keep your eyes and ears on this year
We ask, what comes next Atjazz?, You’ve teased us for a year releasing these singular Tracks, and now we wan’t to know, what is at the end of the journey?
“You’ll have to wait and see!” Atjazz
The penultimate original in this killer Track series from Atjazz. Track 9 (Mix 1) leaves a spiritual marker in place, deep and thoughtful yet persistent musical textures and booming house beats. It’s time to close your eyes and take in the music. Atjazz is almost at the end of Part 1 in this series, there a lot more to come as he stamps his assonant trademark on route.
Seventh in his recent series, Atjazz strips it down to a minimal level using only analogue sound sources. Starting out barefoot, the track then unfolds to a blissful and dense peak before letting you drift through the final decent. Another no-nonsense dance-floor release from Martin Iveson aka Atjazz as he continues his musical journey through sound, stamping his assonant trademark on route.
Continuing his electronic journey through sound Si Tew returns with yet another full flavoured cut. Teaming up with one of Australias most revered vocalists Kylie Auldist. Described by The Music Magazine as the high priestess of Melbournes soul scene Kylie shot to international prominence thanks to the monster summer anthem of 2016 Kungs vs Cookin feat. Kylie Auldist version of This Girl her sublime vocals broke charts across the world. This wonderful collaboration brings yet a another level of polished sonic to Sis already very shiny catalogue; an elegant piece of musical artwork with a great amount of clarity.
These typically tight Si Tew beats have been reworked by an awesome set of producers including the Berlin based super duo Kyodai who have effortlessly remade Jokes On Me into an intense and original piece of dance-floor work floating yet very powerful music with something for all house music tastes. Alex Patchwork & Atjazz team up for the first time to create a crossover Baltimore beats come astral journey of a remix twisted & speedy yet smooth in delivery to close the release.
Marc Tilley creates a wonderful tribute to a jazz great and this song named after the man himself ‘Coltrane’ and is a respectful nod to the magnificent jazz classic ‘Giant Steps’. Marc also gives up a sweet stripped down dub for the floors & Atjazz steps in to roughen things up and give grit to a very select release. One for the heads!
This solid release includes four of the house scenes most respected names on remix duties. 1000 Memories is a firm favourite from Jullian’s debut album Late Dreamer and features the wonderful voice of Sio. The original is lush to say the least but is as to be expected backed up by Jullian’s low-swung groove.
Jullian’s wish list for potential remixers was a touch shocking but we managed to pull it out of the bag and the outcome is pure class. Yoruba Records main man Osunlade steps in with his trademark Yoruba Soul sound layering excellent synthesizer leads and rolling out his unmistakable beats that carry 1000 Memories on a true spiritual journey.
Kaytronik a man who is at the top of his production game brings a sonic masterpiece to the table his strictly solid Karizmaesque beats punch while his instrumentation takes the remix a little softer and warmer don’t worry he’s still chopping up vocals and dubbing things out in his usual DJ manner. Fred Everything goes in hard a man who just gives pure quality in all aspects of his work and this will only see you well as a firm fixture in your box real deep house for those who know it! Atjazz drops things into blank space with a Galaxy Aart Remix always inspired by his eldest Sons journey through life Martin always comes good to keep your ears very excited. A brilliant song reworked by the best. You cant go wrong here as there is a remix for every taste!
Yes Atjazz returns with the 3rd part of his Track series, dropping as he calls it “No nonsense dance music” for the ears of the fans & DJs who need record box safety tunes. Going back to his roots with this one…
Yes Atjazz returns with the 3rd part of his Track series, dropping as he calls it “No nonsense dance music” for the ears of the fans & DJs who need record box safety tunes. Going back to his roots with this one…