Sacred Rhythm US Vinyl & CDs

Review: Joaquin 'Joe' Clausell's Manifestation project started life as a CD featuring early and work-in-progress versions of some of the New York based DJ/producer's most inspiring and intriguing tracks. Since then, he's delivered a couple of coloured vinyl EPs featuring extended takes on these tracks. There's much to enjoy on this third (and likely final) chapter in the series. First up is a near 12-minute version of Mental Remedy's spiritual house gem 'Noi', where expansive, improvised piano solos twinkle away atop a lo-fi drum machine rhythm and starry synthesizer chords. It's followed by the kalimba and Marimba-heavy delights of The Bayara Citizens' blissful 'Kulimba', while side two boasts the weighty, dense, sweaty and insanely percussive 'Under The Influence' mix of Residue's 'Eno'.

Review: There is something of an irony to the name Joaquin Joe Claussell has given this new Manifestations series on his own Sacred Rhythm label. Why? Well he is a master of long form remixes, tunes that go on for ten-minutes plus and take you on involving trips that at least seem never-ending. Anyway, Long Versions EP 1 it is, and a fine one it is too. There are jubilant carnival house sounds packed with percussion from Mental Remedy, Kalimba showcases that take you deep into a tropical jungle from The Bayara Citizens and more airy, heady deep house from Alejate and afro-drumming excellence on a second tune from The Bayara Citizens.