New Zealand’s Green Grass Recordings welcomes Monkey Boots, a mysterious production duo based in Auckland creating swirling, dramatic disco-inspired house business. This debut single from the combo features a pair of brilliant cuts that fits fabulously in a post-nu-disco world, building snakey, mid-tempo house rhythms under layers of cosmic melody. “Hold Back The Night” uses a chiming guitar loop that’s manipulated to accentuate three sections of the evolving groove. Strong vocal snippets and echoing treatments herald the arrival of a Moog-style bass line that drives the track into peak time territory. Bouncing bongos hold on to the momentum until string stabs punctuate the final hypnotic phase. “Whitworth Strut” was inspired in part by the sounds of the Manchester indie-dance revolution of the late 1980s. It’s based around a lolloping groove tailor-made for those who want to get a swagger on as shiny arpeggiations and a filtered, anthemic synth riff roll over a simple vocal refrain. An ever-building wall of strings, a blunted Rhodes, and a tremelo guitar add to the remarkable concoction. Monkey vibes are definitely in the area.
Nick Warren - “‘Whitworth Strut’ is the one for me. Very cool.”
Djuma Soundsystem - “Two strong Kiwi tracks here.”
Pete Herbert - “Great dance floor tracks … me like!”
DJ Rocca (Ajello) - “Love it!”
Sunshine Jones (Dubtribe) - “Amazing.”
Sleazy McQueen - “Yeah, I’m into it!”
Hippie Torrales - “Nice groove. Laid back and musical.”
Q-Burns Abstract Message - “Serious stuff here; undeniable grooves and quality new (not ‘nu’) disco. Both tracks simmer, but ‘Whitworth Strut’ slightly edges. Many plays to ensue.”
Gavin Hardkiss (Hawke) - “Hella good!”
Ulysses (Neurotic Drum Band) - “Two classic-sounding, fun house tracks here.”
Stereo 77 - “Cosmic, mid-tempo scorchers … I love it!”
Will SumSuch (DeepWit / Etoka) - “Really saucy, sleazy, low slung vibes … will support!”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “Heavyweight mirror ball action.”
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - “Outstanding release! Both tracks are absolute bombs and, as a Hacienda regular between ’89 & ’96, I’ve a particular fondness for ‘Whitworth Strut,’ which is a move I did most weekends in my youth wandering down that street. Fantastic stuff all round.”
Additional support from 6th Borough Project, Moodymanc, Erik Rug, Inland Knights, Ben Mono, Makossa & Megablast, Time “Love” Lee, Deadly Sins, Tiago, Eman, Hardway Bros, Dr. Dunks, Flash Atkins, Doc Link, and DJ MFR.
Available now from Juno Download and Beatport.