New Delhi’s Wind Horse Records confirm their passion for pushing Indian house music talent to the world with this latest release from the quality duo Audio Units. Consisting of Bangalore-based brothers Ashwin Baburao (AKA Inferno) and Ashrith Baburao, Audio Units have struck forth with previous releases and remixes on the likes of 3am Recordings, Bermudos, and Qilla. The pair have been active for ten years DJ’ing at festivals and venues throughout India and developing their rich, deep electronic music sound.
“Nothing Really” shows Audio Units reaching into especially musical deep house territory with a polished production filled with melodic layers and sharp drum programming. Synth pad swells and a warm sub-bass effectively envelope the dance floor as crisp percussion and bubbling key lines provide the rhythmic pull. A deliciously soulful vocal sample fades in at the breakdown, giving the cut some serious late night appeal. Wonderful sounds here, sure to thrill DJs playing deep house as well as those into the smoother, more electronic side of ‘nu jazz.’
Wind Horse next aims its sights towards Nottingham, UK for a remix from a like-minded duo, the incomparable Inland Knights. The Knights certainly raise the funk quotient with their version of “Nothing Really,” using the soulful vocal as a rhythmic drop and adding a bit of classic house piano. The staccato bass line serves to really get the floor rolling, and the swinging beats that Inland Knights are known for certainly seal the deal. Prime mover.
The final track finds another contribution from Audio Units, the smooth and lush “Empathy Box.” Featuring saxophone by Neil Gomes and keys by Karan Joseph, this track is full of surprises with unexpected musical moments around every corner. Swirling pads and a brilliant jazz funk bass line provide most of the song’s action, but Audio Units’ accomplished rhythm programming and the wistful saxophone breakdown combine to make “Empathy Box” something really special. It’s a beautiful moment from Audio Units and Wind Horse Records.
Richard Dorfmeister (Kruder & Dorfmeister / G-Stoned) - “‘Empathy Box’ for me!”
Miguel Migs - “Cool Inland Knights remix.”
Tensnake - “Nice deep house with a lot of deepness and piano.”
Bill Brewster (djhistory.com) - “Lots of things to like about ‘Nothing Really’ … lovely interlocking keyboards and a real sense of propulsion. Nice.”
Glenn Underground - “Very nice … lush.”
Jay West - “Inland Knights all the way!”
Tyree Cooper - “‘Empathy Box’ is hot!”
Hippie Torrales - “Real nice work!”
Tom Lown (Savoir Faire / Lost My Dog) - “Cool EP. I really like the depth and warmth of ‘Empathy Box.’”
Chris Todd (Crazy P / Hot Toddy) - “The Inland Knights mix is hot! Good work boys.”
Graeme Park - “This is nice.”
Carlo Gambino (Midnight Social Recordings) - “Great release for the Bangalore-based brothers. I really like their stuff. Perfect summer warm up vibes.”
Craig Stewart (DCSTrax / Montana & Stewart) - “A very tasty three tracker. There’s some beautiful deepness on ‘Nothing Really’ and ‘Empathy Box,’ and the Inland Knights 303 action is also hot.”
Haldo (Proceed Records) - “I love ‘Empathy Box’ … I will play for sure. Deeeeeep!”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “A chunky roller here, nice funk vibe. I also like the Inland Knights remix.”
Sumsuch (Colour and Pitch / DeepWit) - “Lovely stuff. I’m really digging the Inland Knights mix, and ‘Empathy Box’ is quite pretty.”
Available now from Beatport and Juno Download.