Electro House Recommendations May 2011

Review: It's been a long time coming but perma smoking Ed Banger artiste SebastiAn is actually on the cusp of releasing his debut album - a plump 20 track plus set which can only be bettered by the forthcoming second album from Justice in the hype stakes. Offering just a smattering of what to expect from Total, the label drops new single Embody. Combining a slightly more sedate take on SebastiAn's trademark sonic envelope pushing with Ed Banger's obvious love for the purple one and Jackson 5, "Embody" will please those hoping for something a bit different to the Frenchman's previous output. There's even a certain vintage Neptunes panache to beat construction. On the flip, DJ Premier trumps Hudson Mohawke for the strangest remix invitation from Ed Banger to date, but regardless turns in a typically loop heavy head nodder.

Review: Jack Beats is the production brainchild of scratch DJs Beni G (Mixologists) and Plus One (Scratch Perverts). Cheap Thrills seems to be Jack Beats perfect match with EP releases in 2009, 2010 and now again in 2011. This time, they have teamed up with Beta Recordings label owner John B whose extensive discography is nothing short of impressive. "All Night" is a belter, an inescapable track riddled with funk and groove, jackin' basslines and a classic sounding vocal. The B-Side boasts a remix from dubstep don Skream, who lifts the vocal and utilises some burning electro synth stabs. "Elevator Music" brings the EP to a close with rubber rhythms, tightly sprung beats and rapid percussion.

Review: Boys Noize Records call on Mixhell to extend their international network of noise to South America, with the Brazilian act delivering quite the unique sound in "Antigalactic". Propelled by the kind of thumping drums you'd expect from a former stickman for Sepultura, the rhythmic thrust sits somewhere between vulgar electroclash and rattling EBM arpeggios. A welcome departure for Alex Ridha's imprint! In Flagranti seem like a perfect choice to remix the track and their slow building mutant discoid "Special Forces" effort is complement by two diverse B Side remixes. Belgian duo Mumbai Science indulge in some epic Chemical Brothers style big room brashness whilst Gui Boratto makes for the most surprising remix artist on BNR since Bobby Hood.

Review: Acting like the latter excesses of post Justice electro house never happened; former Bang Gang acolytes Bag Raiders used their recent eponymous debut album for Modular to present a Vitamin D infused take on synth heavy electro pop dosed up on disco bliss. "Sunlight" is the second single to be culled from that set with the joyful vocal turn from Dan Black matched by the euphoric thrust of the Bag Raiders musical backing. The accompanying remix from house music heavyweight Armand Van Helden is surprisingly faithful to the source, adding some bump to the beat and embellishing that distinct burning lead melody with a few degrees more heat. This release should really be praised however for enticing the criminally unprolific Tiedye into the studio for a remix which realigns the track to a whole new approach - filled with all manner of new instrumentation which only serves as further notice of the duo's obvious talent.