DAHM 'What a Waste of Time' / Stem / Released August 18th
Two reputable dance music producers combine forces to make DAHM, but the cheeky things are staying anonymous. All we know is they've released on Pampa and IRR, which is a solid stamp of approval in my book. What a Waste of Time is playful and weird, complete with walking bass line solos, whining synths and a barbershop quartet cameo. Obviously.
George Fitzgerald 'I Can Tell (By The Way You Move)' / Double Six / Released August 12th
A characteristically poppy track from Fitzgerald that's been doing the rounds for months and finally got a release on Beatport this August. Synth and vocals combine in an old school vibe, but with modern polish. This is one of those songs that you'll hear in a few years and it will bring you vividly back to this summer in an instant.
Luke Solomun feat. Terry Grant 'Sinner's Blood' (Terry Grant mix) / The Classic Music Company / Released August 12th
A raw and rock feel to this remix by Terry Grant; I'd expect nothing less from the Nashville producer, who often loans his guitar skills as a session musician. The creepy cover art is also Grant's own, as are the husky and emotive vocals, full of darkness, guilt and defiance all at once - a "sinner's" voice if I ever heard one.
Forrest 'Love Don't Live Here Anymore' / free download / Released August 5th
Disco up a Motown classic? Don't mind if I do. Canadadian born Forrest has taken this mournful hit, written by Norman Whitfield and made it smooth, sexy and danceable. "Love don't live here" vocal is looped throughout, perfectly complimenting the prominent drums and disco-staple high string pedal.
Pusherman and Unit 7 'WRHS001 EP' / WRHS / Released August 12th
I think I have to call this EP as the pick of the picks. A tuneless industrial pulsing collapses into the simplest, coolest bass line of the month, echoing as if ricocheting around an empty warehouse. Alysia's Theme heads off an excellent trio, Track Ascend has a steady hammer to it, balanced with atmospheric bells and chimes and On My Mind features surprisingly smooth vocals and a slow, ominous bass worthy of a drum'n'bass monster.
Gaiser 'Bodylost' / M-nus / Released August 12th
Sounds like Minus.... smells like Minus... Gaiser has captured the label's new direction in a tune, coupling the bleeps and clicks of a minimal yesteryear with the housey groove of current day. A very cool, very lazy synth struts in around the 3:30 mark which absolutely makes the track.
Uner 'Undisclosed' / Diynamic / Released August 19th
A slow start from Uner, this doesn't really kick in until about halfway. It's worth the wait though, as a determined synth marches in with a mood that is uncharacteristically epic for Diynamic, though the 80s analogue sound fits the label like a glove.
Casino Times 'Casino Edits' / self released through Phonica / Released August 13th
Yes that's right, more disco. These two edits from UK duo Casino Times are just plain good fun. This is the sort of thing you want to be hearing after a heavy morning of house and techno fist pumping - finally an excuse to get the shoulders going!
Weiss 'Do The Do' / Toolroom / Released August 14th
The synth loop is smooth and poppy, but not particularly remarkable, and yet something about how it gels with the lower register female vocals and their painfully casual swing is downright sexy. Warning - this one will get in your head and roll around there for a month or so.
Roots Manuva 'Stolen Youth' / Big Dada / Released August 6th
A new release from UK hip hop genius Roots Manuva is always exciting, this one having been written for the UK teen drama Skins (everything Gossip Girl isn't), which gave Roots Manuva support earlier in his career. The man's a true lyricist, it's his words that stand out on this track.
