Toronto’s Kozmik Hype Recordings is back once again, this time with an in-depth six track EP from legendary hometown producer, Paul Stickman. A veteran DJ dating back to ’84, Paul is the co-founder of Stickman Records Inc. and Aquarius Recordings with work appearing on a list of other top labels like Strictly Rhythm, Nervous, and Studio !K7. Having built an impressive career, the xpressions EP shows his ability to build expansive songs - not surprising for an artist with his longevity. He forays into extended melodic progressions, each track developing its own ebb and flow.
First comes the rolling, stab-driven “We Wanted To Play” which features vocals sure to resonate with the very being of passionate house and techno DJs. The 4 Da Headz Mix twists things up a notch with a fattened bass and added acid elements. A monster of a tune lurks beneath cutting, high pitched strings, fluid pads, and a crunchy snare on “Artoureau” while “Tek3” likewise unveils a creature in cracking form. Both “Lazy B” and “Theme 001” really shine in the midrange, welcoming arpeggiated synths that fidget about, with the latter of the two cuts barely even employing a kick.
Paul Stickman expresses himself quite alright on this spacious new EP for Kozmik Hype.
Stacey Pullen - “Cool.”
Rennie Foster (Rebirth / Dirty Works) - “Nice EP! I will be playing it.”
Ulysses (Neurotic Drum Band) - “They’re all keepers. It’s nice seeing Paul still in top form.”
Hippie Torrales - “‘We Wanted To Play’ … nice, indeed.”
Alkalino (Estimativa / Audaz Recordings) - “Instantly in love with the 4 Da Headz mix of ‘We Wanted To Play.’”
Malbetrieb (Klopfgeist / Paradigm) - “Proper deepness … I like.”
ed2000 (Tresor / Dangerous Drums) - “This is very cool. You can hear the artist’s story in the quality.”
Spesh (Jondi & Spesh / Loöq Records) - “This is an outstanding release!”
Alvaro Hylander (DeepWit Recordings) - “I would definitely play this one … a great combination of moods and beats.”
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - “Wicked. I’m really digging the trippy vibe on ‘Lazy B,’ with the atmospheric ‘Theme 001’ proving useful, too.”
Greg Eversoul (Elektek / Evasive) - “Really good EP. Nice to see Paul making such a strong return. Every track is good.”
Chris Udoh (Tigerhook) - “Bangers!”
DJ Di Costa (MoodyLushious Influences) - “‘Theme 001’ is simply the ultimate intro tool here. A lovely piece of work.”
Fine Cut Bodies (Biscuit Real / Chi Recordings) - “Nice, dirty, and groovy.”
Jean Jérome (Radio FG / Kut ‘N’ Paste) - “I’ve got a big vinyl collection with some old jewels from Paul. This new EP shows some new skills from him. This guy’s got pure talent.”
Tony D’Onghia (Radio Koper-Capodistria, Italy) - “Proper solid no-nonsense grooves. I really like it.”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “Some damn serious ammo on this release … heavy weight soundz.”
Available now from Beatport.