Review: Moodymanc/Paul Hardy – Sizzler EP

Artist: Moodymanc/Paul Hardy
Title: Sizzler EP
Label: Baker St
Genre: Minimal House/Tech House
Format: Digital
Buy From: Juno Download

Paying titular homage is definitely becoming the done thing. Not only do we have Todd Terje’s tip of the hat to Todd Terry, but there is also Manchester’s Moodymanc’s none-to-subtle referencing of the similarly named Detroit legend.

A quarter of 2020 Soundsystem, Moodymanc (real name Danny Ward) releases the Sizzler EP alongside fellow Leeds resident and co-owner of Baker St Recordings, Paul Hardy and, while you can still hear the trademark warm synths and house kicks associated with 2020, this latest independent collaboration still manages to retain an identity of its own.

The title track chugs along with a likeable, almost summery mix of melodic pads and playful chords, whereas track two begins in a mournful minor key before building to an electro-fied, menacing, bass-lead conclusion.

Sizzler also comes remixed courtesy of Sei A (Turbo / International Deejay Gigolos) who provides it with a tech house incarnation which is possibly more suited for peak time consumption than the original.

Review: Geoff Leopard