The Green Gorilla Lounge crew have been big movers and shakers on the San Francisco underground scene since the mid-'90s. The label born from these bay area party hustlers is now relaunching after a five year hiatus. The occasion is met by Sleight Of Hands, the rising collaboration between DJ M3 and Phil Collis. Already responsible for a prominent single on Smoke N' Mirrors, remixes for Om Records, and much more, the duo have been consistently working crowds on the club and festival circuit. It comes as no surprise that their new single for GGL has been heavily road tested as well as 'playa approved' at gigs like the Disco Knights camp at Burning Man.
Sleight Of Hands' "Valhalla" and "Huh!" are just the type of bass-y, deep house, acid fusion cuts perfect for the diverse and open-minded west coast party goers. Both tracks are playfully twisted, constantly evolving to never end up at the same place they began. "Valhalla" is a post-apocalyptic stormer. Intermingling acid currents wind their way through heavy metallic chords, punchy bass, and reverberating chants. A constant ping lets listeners know not all is lost, even amongst the swirl of alarming sounds. "Huh!" is a lighter piece, but it keeps much of the same energy, this time diffused with bold fun. Constant wavy organ stabs in a call-and-response with more determined rhythmic variations start the track off innocently enough. Soon a breakdown introduces a rumbling, sub-dependent bass groove on overdrive and, eventually, guttural acid lines. Familiar but sparingly used diva vocals lend just the right amount of attitude to the track.
Sleight Of Hands deliver a decidedly proper welcome back for the Green Gorilla Lounge label.
Nick Warren - "This is mega! I love it."
Pezzner - "It's party time!"
Gavin Hardkiss (Hawke) - "Dopeness."
Thee Cool Cats (Get Physical / Nurvous) - "Nice one … 'Valhalla' is hot."
Randall Jones (Audio Therapy / Baroque) - "These tracks are dope! I like both … I'm gonna put them in rotation on this current Asia tour."
Severino (Horse Meat Disco) - "This is pretty hot."
Vanilla Ace - "'Huh!' is dope."
Inland Knights - "'Huh!' is in the box for sure."
Distant People (Foliage / Seamless) - "A smooth and funky bump here … I like the tension and build up."
Tee Cardaci (Low Down Grooves / Sine Qua Non) - "Having spent many a night under the disco ball at Green Gorilla parties, I'm glad to see the label is back. Great release!"
DJ Craig C (Peace Bisquit / Pound Boys) - "Hot sh&t! I love how different this is. Both tracks are gonna get played … I mean, rocked!"
Al Bradley (3am Recordings / Fabric) - "Wicked bassy grooves here, particularly on 'Valhalla' … awesome and powerful stuff."
Mark Mac (The Sounds Collective) - "It's like being back in Golden and Kinetic Acid House … Terry Farley would love this tune."
Black Mighty Wax (Irma Records) - "'Valhalla' is already an anthem for my future sets. Massive!"
Available now from Beatport.