Hot action from the ever-present Local Talk label, there 136th release for those counting!
Bit of a coup this one as it comes backed with two remixes from MCR garage pioneer Zed Bias, which we'll cover shortly.
"Sum Luv" is a dreamy downtempo soul number; with rising keyboard lines, bumpety (upright?) bass, tastefully Rhodes chords and boom-bap live drums. Jazzy, languid, soulful - all the characteristics for a mid-afternoon jam. Zed is on hand to inject energy and urgency, utilizing the keyboard and Rhodes parts beautifully as he deploys a trademark two-step beat, gliding bass tones and gets busy on the filters. Still retaining the highly soulful edge but guaranteeing plenty of hip n butt action in the process. Mega jam.
"Styrax" on the flip is a more broken beats flavoured number; with the drummer givin it some across multicoloured arrays of dazlzing synthesizer; before another winning vocal part soars in. This one didn't need much energizing, but Zed playfully electrfies those broken beat elements, giving the funky syncopation between the elements but making the whole thing bite harder across the speaker stacks; with that all important weighty bottom end.
Tasteful summer soul with a garage twist? Check!
STAFF COMMENTS
Matt says: Came for the street soul and broken beats indebted originals? Then stay for the flexin' Zed Bias remixes! A highly functional EP that carers for varying energy levels and moods whilst shining a light on the allusive Envee.
TRACK LISTING
A1. Sum Luv (zed Bias 2 Step Mix)
A2. Sum Luv (original Version)
B1. Styrax (zed Bias 2 Step Mix)
B1. Styrax (original Version)