Tags: Balearic House

Review: Originally released in 1989, Nami Shimada's "Sunshower" was the most unlikely of deep house hits, getting spun and remixed by Larry Heard and subsequently licensed by The Hague-based label in 2004 replete with one of Danny Wolfer's darkest remixes. With the record long out of print and being offered for some overly imaginative prices on Discogs, Creme decision to reissue the record should be met with vociferous applause by late adoptees to the label.

Review: Especial Specials has joined forces with Osaka-based imprint Chillmountain Recordings to offer up another Enjoy Your Self EP. This one once again showcases the talents on its roster with label head Ground kicking off with a beatdown meets trance sound on "Utau Narukoyuri'. After that slow burner come tribal percussive sounds from 'Arauma' (Kobato Dub), sunny cumbia on 'Something Sign' and a meandering Balearic journey from Akira Arasawa With KUN & FRANKY-CH that is brought to life with new age flute sounds, bird calls, jungle drips and folkloric strings. A fantastic EP, then.

Review: Manabu Nagayama's 'Light & Shadow' was released back in 2015 but never really got picked up despite being something of a gem now we listen back. Rush Hour co-founder Antal Heitlager knew it had more potential than it had shown so asked Masalo to remix it. Over the course of the last few years he has done that on and off and now finally we get to hear what he came up with. He elevates the track to new levels with subtle tweaks of the arrangement. It has now become a popular hit on the underground circuit with its heart-melting keys and deep, rolling drums.

Review: A couple of years ago, on the back of putting out a fine compilation of his 1990s work, Rush Hour asked Soichi Terada if he fancied recording and releasing a new album. There was one catch though: the label wanted the legendary Japanese deep house producer to replicate the sound and spirit of his vintage work. Terada agreed and took their instructions seriously, dusting down his old equipment and MIDI set-ups. The results, showcased on Asakusa Light, are spellbinding, emotive, musically expansive, atmospheric, melodious and undeniably deep, with Terada's once trademark sound once again coming to the fore. The multitude of highlights includes the sunrise-ready tingle of 'Double Spire', the percussive and off-kilter 'Marimbau' and the luscious dancefloor soundscape that is 'Blinker'.

Review: Musica Solida sampler 1 marks a thrilling celebration of 40 years of Flexi, the venerable record emporium that has stood the test of time in the ever-evolving music industry landscape. As the label weathered storms and celebrated triumphs, it has remained a beacon for vinyl enthusiasts, and this compilation embodies its enduring spirit. Curated by Flexi Cuts, Musica Solida promises a series of carefully selected singles spread across multiple 12-inch samplers, showcasing the talents of cherished Flexi-affiliated artists and producers. With a vision to cultivate a movement of sublime tunes, the compilation aims to uphold the commitment to quality that Flexi has exemplified within the Italian music scene and beyond. Musica Solida sampler one sets the stage with an eclectic lineup of artists, each bringing their unique flair to the table. DJ Rocca stands as a stalwart of the clubbing scene, while Club Soda delivers live electronic ensembles brimming with house-flavored jams. Lex & Locke bring a touch of Greek sophistication to the mix, showcasing their groovy sound destined for future acclaim. Hiroyuki Kato emerges as a Japan-based multi-instrumentalist with a punchy debut track, and The Mechanical Man (feat. Bob Vito) adds a raw, gritty energy to the compilation. For those that are adventurous in finding unique music, you will want to check out this great release.

Review: To kick off new label Takashimashuzo, Kammoushiki - who is presumably the boss - is dropping two new 12"s in the same week. This is the second and like the first, it is inspired house music that takes its cues from the 80s Ibiza party landscape. 'Magic Hour' has gurgling basslines riding up and down the scale with innocent keys and lazy drums. It's heartwarming stuff from sundown. 'Nakanaide' then ups the Balearic quotient with even more prominent and arcing guitar licks over bongos and soulful chords.

Review: Shinichiro Yokota's legendary discography finally arrives on vinyl with The Pitstop Box, featuring 24 essential and exclusive tracks. Originally available only in Japan via Far East Recording, this long-awaited collection highlights Yokota's signature blend of funk, hip-hop, electronic and Japanese influences. It features house classics like 'Right Here Right Now' and 'Night Drive', plus a cover of Haruomi Hosono's 'Simoon' and a collaboration with Soichi Terada that is packed with signature melodic sugariness. Inspired by his love for sports cars, The Pitstop Box is a brilliant overview of one of house music's finest talents..

Review: Kaoru Inoue's latest EP continues the journey of his acclaimed long player Dedicated to the Island, which was recently released for Record Store Day 2024. This six-track sequel features a series of self-reworked tracks from the LP, a first-time vinyl release and previously unreleased material as well as a remix by Argentina's SidiRum, who is a leading tastemaker in the tribal and slower house scenes. True to its title, the EP emphasises enhanced rhythmic elements and delivers a blend of organic, left-field electronic sounds. Inoue's talent for crafting atmospheric, innovative sounds will only improve with this superb 12".

Review: The cover of this new one from Tomi Chair is a whole lot darker, more menacing and moodier than the music within. 'Waiting For The Typhoon To Pass' is in fact a beautifully plaintive sound with a slow, calming rhythm. Gentle chords are draped over the top and no one is in an hurry to go anywhere as curious synth keys come and go like passing memories. On the flip, 'Dream Universe' is a more propulsive sound with metallic drums cascading over raw hits and distant winds howling with a hint of danger.