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PHONICA

No stranger to the limelight with a string of forward-thinking, sought-after releases under his belt, Snad joins the roster of cutting-edge artists bringing his spark to Phonica AM under curation of Luther Vine.

The 'Labyrinthine EP' opens with a relentless 4 to the floor club ready firestarter. Aptly titled 'Quark' hits the spot in all the right places. Its swinging drum work out and oscillating chords swirl to a frenzy and guarantee to set any a dance floor ablaze.

The A2 'Labyrinthine' boots off with Snad's unique take on UK 90s Tech-House, full groove, snare syncopation and whirlwind of off-centre synth cords, adding to his effervescent sound design.

The flip side opens with a killer remix fellow Berliner expat, Huerta's take on 'Quark'. The remix retains the destructive dance floor potential of the original and adds somewhat in the hypnotic trip out department. Full engagement is guaranteed from start to finish even for the more of an absent-minded listener on this one.

Snad closes the EP with 'Revival'. This cross-genre juggernaut effortlessly marries puncy breaks with dubbed out echos while the resonant synth chords and muddled vocal chops expand listener's perception of sonar possibilities to places few have imagined possible. One of the rare tracks which hovers on the fringe of experimentation but guarantees to move the peak time crowd of the most discerning listening habits.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: A new record from London's leading house specialists Phonica who seem to be able to hit that sweet spot between underground nous and dancefloor sensibilities. Snad keeps to their remit with three tracks of exceptional tech-house prowess and a cheeky garage-indebted flex at the end.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Quark
A2. Labyrinthine
B1. Quark (Huerta Remix)
B2. Revival

After beginning his career with roots in drum & bass, Nuage shifted his sound to embrace a wider range of styles while maintaining an emotionally charged vibe and finding a home on labels such as Anjunadeep and 20:20 Vision.

Kicking off this EP for Phonica is the title track, “Pink Television”, a floaty and playful yet quite pacey melodic house excursion that reminds us of Floating Points’ synth work on his “Crush” album; with a real optimistic, blue-sky illumination about it.

Next is “Ninety High” which swaps the four to the floor for an intricate breakbeat, highlighting Nuage’s history in break heavy music. A cleverly reconceptualised disco vocal sample and subtly withheld synth lines are combined with a sub rattling and pulsating bassline. The kinda track everyone from Craig Richarids to Ben UFO to Jane Fitz would roll out to rapturous enjoyment; it’s poised yet powerful, deep but anthemic.

“Don’t Forgive Me” recalls classic trance and progressive house tropes with haunting vocal reverberations and a warehouse wall shaking bassline as the track meanders through tension and release of euphoric energy. Lastly, “Glances” opens with a skittish Rhodes riff and unites it with rich and perky melodies that weave in and out of focus. A classy deep house joint to close off this detailed and varied EP. Top stuff. 


STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Phonica records continue their flawless streak with this neon-hued number from Nuage. Real clubby, with sumptuous electronic textures and crisp beats as it navigates a varied and modern soundscape of breaks, techno and bass.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Pink Television
A2. Ninety High
B1. Don't Forgive Me
B2. Glances


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