Historically Casablanca has been known as a global melting pot; a place where cultures mingle and fuse. This quality is evident in the dazzling music of Casablanca-based beat-maker and guitarist saib., who, after EP releases on Cult Classic Records and Japan's Introducing! label, has revealed his debut long-player, the appropriately titled Around The World album for Cold Busted. These tunes showcase saib.'s worldly vibe, tied together with his intricate guitar playing which deftly keeps up with all the styles represented on the album. Hip hop beats form the backbone as saib.'s musical palette skips from jazz flavors to lounge experiments to Asian textures … and sometimes within a single track. Highlights include the dance floor stomp of "Casablanca Funk", "Don't Be Lonely Tonight"'s jazzy sing-a-long groove, the kung fu beats and gentle melodies in "Shanghai Nights", and the dreamy "In The Mountains" which highlights saib.'s exceptional guitar technique. Around The World is indeed a non-stop flight, touching down on all of saib.'s influences and predilections, creating a memorable album along the way.
Opolopo - "Nice sample work and grooves!"
Fort Knox Five - "Solid global-influenced beats. Perfect for our Funk the World mix series."
All Good Funk Alliance - "Really great release … loving all these gems."
Dr Rubberfunk (Jalapeno Records) - "Very groovy … I'm a fan of the tasteful guitar work and the production to match."
Inland Knights - "Tight beats as ever from Cold Busted."
Hippie Torrales - "Hot hot hot!"
Trotter (Royal Soul Records) - "Dope … I love it!"
Rory Hoy (Howlin' Records / Super Hi-Fi) - "Incredible release!"
Stickybuds (Goodgroove Records) - "Nice trip hop style … I like."
Belabouche (Midnight Riot / DiscoDat) - "I love this!"
Danny Massure (Spring Strut) - "Funky and fresh."
Double-D (Funky Fresh Radio Show) - "Fresh … nice atmospheres and international samples."
DJ Tomas (Google Play / ForwardEver) - "Globetrotting in every sense of the term. These international music sounds and classic breaks work seamlessly here. Even with a touch of a throwback trip-hop sound, these tracks sound fresh."
Available now from Bandcamp, Beatport, Juno Download, iTunes, and Spotify.