TAKECHA Vinyl & CDs

Review: ***B-STOCK: Torn sleeve, otherwise in excellent working condition***


Recorded in 1999 but only released in December 2020 on Takecha's excellent 120A EP, 'Duration Rhyme' is a simply gorgeous slab of sunrise-ready deep house in which glistening chords, sun-kissed melodies, elongated chords and jazz-funk synths rise above a locked-in beat. Previously, we've only ever heard an instrumental mix, even though Takecha recorded a full vocal version with singer Mayumi Tusruta at the tail end of the '90s. Here that mix finally gets released, and it really is a doozy: a super-sweet, life-affirming affair that sits somewhere between deep, warming pop and classic deep house. It comes backed with a luscious, piano-heavy, jazz-funk-flecked dancefloor revision from Tofubeats and a handy acappella.

Review: Takecha is the alias for Japanese house producer Takeshi Fukushima, who established himself as a vital voice in the deeper-than-deep underground through his own GWM Records label. Following some choice drops on Holic Trax Fukushima has brought his undulating sound to Sakskobing for a four-deep excursion through blissful pads, warm and rounded basslines and steady ticking drums executed in the classic fashion. From the immensely satisfying Lately bass and joyful chords of 'If I'm There' to the smoky Sunday mood of 'Shinuya Walking' this is an EP to melt into, but there's a strong backbone to make sure it does the business on the floor too.