LIFE RECORDER Vinyl & CDs

Review: ***B-STOCK: Slight surface marks ***


Swiss label Visions Inc returns with The Evolution: Phase Four. On the A side, you've got label chief Alex Attias who appears with the emotive nu-jazz journey 'Magical Feeling' (feat Sohan Wilson) followed by Life Recorder who gets some real proper house vibes happening on 'Eternal Tones 'reaching near spiritual moments. Over on the flip, June Jazzin gets those early noughties UK vibes (think Bugz In The Attic, Kaidi Tatham et al) in effect on 'Sikhanyiso' and Mark E is in fine form as always on the deep contemplation of 'Tracer'.

Review: Having served for eight years as one of the most dependable outlets for deep, thought provoking house in the UK, Boe Recordings recently announced its plans to shut up shop, and it does so in style. Calling on regular artists as well as fresh talent, it's a perfect swansong that demonstrates just how much quality is to be found in the Boe back catalogue. Leif's "That Ice Cream Tune" is a hypnagogic slice of broken beat, while label boss Ben Boe gets into a dreamy 2-step state of mind. That's just the tip of the iceberg on this flawless double-pack from a label that will be sorely missed.

Review: Marseille's Life Recorder continues to develop a beauteous sound rooted in the underground European deep house approach. It's no wonder to see him releasing on Bokhari, Soul Print, Hizou Deep Rooted and others, as well as getting a co-sign for Keith Worthy's Aesthetic Audio. He's also been developing his Life Notes label with a project called Motion Process, and now he brings Life Recorder back into the frame with this elegant four-tracker of mellow house immersion. From the swirling pads and crisp beats of 'Sliding Away' to the mystical synth passages of 'That Mantra', this is pristinely executed head-tripping business for those who can't get it deep enough.

Review: Alex Attias' Visions Recordings present the brand new single from Kriss Kortz aka Life Recorder with a killer four tracker. The Marseille-based producer heads up Life Notes Recordings and has released a few great singles on various labels such as Aesthetic Audio and Hizou. Starts off with 'Feel The Glow' which is proper Chicago deep house in the vein on the seminal Prescription Records, then spiritualised drums merge with 303 acid euphoria on 'World Confusion' which rounds up the A side. Flip over and we've got the mesmerising "Lfs' which again unashamedly looks to another of The Windy City's greats in Larry Heard, with its chunky Juno bassline and immaculate drum programming.

Review: Keith Worthy's Aesthetic Audio imprint is always a trusted stable for refined deep house excursions, and France's Life Recorder is a logical addition to the ranks with his delicate, shimmering cuts that positively overflow with nutritious melodies. "Keep Maintain" slyly works some forthright drums into the mix, almost unnoticed for the the narcoleptic pads to intoning a message of ultimate peace. "No Look Back" equally stands out for its sturdy rhythms carefully masked behind winsome daubs of synthesised expression, but it's that hypnotic tone that informs Aesthetic Audio releases and it's found at every turn on this record.

Review: Japan's TH Pressing imprint is hardly prolific, releasing just two 12" singles in its first three years of operation. That said, it rarely fails to impress, with last year's Wishes & Memories Volume 1 being particularly potent. Like its predecessor, this follow-up gathers together tracks from a quartet of producers. Life Recorder begins with the breezy and melodious, Soichi Terada style deep house bliss of "While She Dreams", before Ernie drops some quirky, dubbed-out dancefloor deepness in the shape of "Dynamic Workflow". Over on the flipside, Brad P explores deep space via the Motor City electronics, hypnotic rhythms and acid bass of "Grey Blue Passion", while Takuya Yamashita goes all Global Communication on the sparkling, early '90s ambient business of "Somewhere".

Review: A sixth release from Appian Sounds finds the London based label (with roots in Dublin) continue it's focus on the split artist offerings with the Ervallagh EP featuring contributions from Miltiades, Life Recorder and label regular Natan H. Echovolt boss Ilias Pitsios has gone on record to call Miltiades "probably the best producer from Greece as far as deep house / techno stuff is concerned" and the evidence so far for Nous and Echovolt has backed that up. Here Miltiades offers a further reason to think that with the sublimely deep and rhythmically playful "S48SN" and it's well balanced out by two raw jams from French producer Life Recorder and the sweeping analogue vista of "Giving" by Natan H.