Tags: Breakbeat Techno

Review: Lake Haze's third album on Shall Not Fade is another triumph with his signature shimmering melodies strung out over lush beats. Drawing on house, disco, garage and broken beat it is a rich affair with a strong UK vibe. There is elegance and symphony to opener 'Xyleac' that immediately gets your head amongst the stars. 'Diluspth' keeps up the majestic synth while 'Bbyncole' is double-speed techno with balmy celestial synths and hurried bass that locks you in. Tender ambient pieces like 'Shores Of Eternal Life' reset the mood and then the second half is a series of shorter sketches packed with electronic soul.

Review: Montreal's Jaymie Silk (not to be confused with the Chicago house originator J.M. Silk) first came to light in 2016 with the Trouble In Paradise LP on Ghost Club Records. He reached a wider audience in Europe in 2021 with The Legend Of Jack Johnson on Shall Not Fade, and now he's back on the UK label with a mighty eight tracks of forward-thinking house which draws deeply on the roots while bringing a distinctive slant. There are 90s tropes scattered throughout this release, but they're wielded with a cavalier attitude which makes even the most familiar sample sound fresh. Crucially, this is club music with a purpose as Silk interweaves his tracks with pointed messages in the speech samples he draws on, winding up with party gear to make you think as well as move.