Hamza returns to Wind Horse Records after last year's "Thar" single, and he does so with an exceptional four song EP that continues to expand his evocative deep house sound. Months of touring Asia and Europe have honed Hamza's productions into a tighter, more floor-focused territory while retaining the distinctive touches that make his tracks special and memorable. Titled the Dakini EP, this latest release also shows a spirit of experimentation, as Hamza explores different styles and vibes resulting in a diverse but powerful set of tracks.
The EP opens with "Dakini Tales" and its lightly plucked rhythmic synth sequence. As often found in Hamza's production, the more traditional deep house intro subtly transforms into lush and vibrant sonic layers that include distant vocals, dreamy percussion, and worldly ingredients. The beautiful melody is a guiding light through the track's progression. "Dazzle On" gets a little tougher, with its punchy bass line, filtered piano-like motif, and steady four-on-the-floor movement. A dramatic breakdown leads to a lovely section that should work wonders in the nightclub. Taking things a bit darker and exotic, "Temple" gives an impression of the dance floor as a hallowed place, with ritualistic bells, percussion, and flutes accenting the insistent beat and sub-bass bounce. The EP closes with "Lantern", a techier cut that introduces skippy rhythms, prominent dub echo splashes, and a hypnotically churning bass. This one's ideally suited for after hours visions. Hamza delivers once again.
Gene Farris (Farris Wheel Recordings) – “Nice deep stuff here.”
Nick Warren - Lovely! All four tracks are very good.”
Atish (Desert Hearts / Robot Heart) - "A really unique and quirky EP. 'Dazzle On' has quite a punch to it, and I like the falling piano chords."
Larry Tee - "Hot ones!"
Jamie Jones (Hot Creations) - "Sounds cool."
Tyler Stadius (Deepsite / Dialtone Records) – “Excellent as always. I look forward to playing these out.”
Deli G (The Touch / Future Sound Of House) – “I’m really loving ‘Dazzle On’ as the stand out track.”
Dutchican Soul (Strictly Rhythm / Salted Music) – “This is really fresh, all four tracks are ace!”
Sumsuch (Colour and Pitch / Mega Jawns) – “Hamza just keeps getting better and better. This is just brilliant. More Please!”
Juan Mejia (Dutchie Music / Grouper Recordings) - Lovely EP with deep exotic vibes … I will be playing this!”
Craig Stewart (Soul Horizon + After Dark Mix Sessions) – “Stunning! All four tracks are just sensational.”
Eric Davenport (Guesthouse) – “Great package of interesting tracks. Another Hamza journey.”
Richie Roberts (The Dance Factory, BBC Radio) - "'Dazzle On' is absolutely incredible."
Farhan Rehman (Wind Horse Records / Ovum Recordings) – “Great EP all around but I’m absolutely loving Dakini.”
Hippie Torrales (Cyberjamz Radio) – “Really smooth groove!”
Darrell Stout (Beatmatrix show on WRUW 91.1 FM) – “Haunting and beautiful.”
Jon Wesley (Music Goes On Radio Show / Insomniac) – “Five stars for ‘Dakini’, what a beautiful track! I'll be playing that one for years.”
Joshua Jacobs (Music You Need music blog) - “Loving the funky vibes in this new one from Hamza. Awesome!”
Available now from Beatport, Traxsource, Juno Download, and iTunes