Suburban Dream Recordings was founded by Dublin producer Ciaran McCarthy in late 2007, aiming to focus on quality chilled electronic music, from downtempo and ambient to more electro-acoustic sounds. Bucking the trends, Ciaran proclaims that the label “ignores current fads, sticking to making music that is honest, heartfelt and motivated only by love.” This latest release is from Ciaran himself under the name he shares with the label, Suburban Dream. The project has released a number of singles, receiving support from the likes of Mixmaster Morris, Ben Mynott (Big Chill), Kid Loco and broadcasters like Soma FM and Chilltrax. Suburban Dream releases works through Parklane Recordings, iLabel, Lushgroove, and Bonzai Elemental but also continues to work with his namesake imprint.
This single, “Not Who You Said,” is an atmospheric but solid track incorporating a deep house feel behind a punchy kick drum and hi hats that whisper as one becomes more immersed in the soundscape. Filtered pads and stuttered and pitched vocals give the track a memorable hook. It’s all very mellow and pretty, yet with a lingering dark edge. Blocks of air and clickiness give the track a slight dubstep feel – of the Burial variety but with a lushness.
Occupying the b side, “Everything Comes Apart” is a deep cinematic piece that carries the listener as it builds from its ambient beginning to a powerful percussive piece, only to float back to ambience. Continuing to build excitement through sound, the track ends unexpectedly leaving the listener wanting more.
Sunshine Jones (Dubtribe) - “Really fantastic. Perfect for my head. I’ve been missing this space and I didn’t even know it.”
Tensnake - “Nice chilled out broken beats and balearic stuff.”
Irregular Disco Workers - “‘Everything Comes Apart’ reminds me of some ’80s Italian horror film soundtrack. Really cool!”
Q-Burns Abstract Message - “This has got that proper balearic vibe that’s always a pleasure to run across.”
Justin Harris (Freaks) - “Nice and deep … warm up for sure.”
Hippie Torrales - “I’m loving ‘Not Who You Said.’”
Manuel Sahagun (Candy Music) - “Moody beats … I’m liking it!”
Black Alley (In Control Radio Show, Germany) - “I’m liking the dreamy atmosphere on both tracks … perfect for very early morning sets.”
Deadbeat Disco Radio Show - “Fantastic vibes on both cuts here … feeling the wonderfully sparkling atmospherics of ‘Everything Comes Apart’ most of the two, but both tracks shimmer with real quality.”
Borja (Lovemonk / Soleado Radio Show) - “Beautiful moods … nice one!”
Clairvo (Jazz Drive Radio Show, Hungary) - “Really lovely dream soundscapes … a must-have chill out release.”
Aja Allsop (Ketch-a-Vibe Radio Show, UK) - “The phrase ‘extremely lush’ is what comes to mind!”
Leri Ahel (Mutant Disco Radio Show) - “Lovely release. ‘Not Who You Said’ is my favorite.”
Ornette (Radial Blur Radio Show, MyHouse-YourHouse) - “This is ideal for a misty morning house set. I’m a huge fan of this release.”
Christos Kedras (Kapa Music) - “Dreamy landscapes, almost-haunted melodies, broken grooves … I love it!”
Available now from Juno Download and Beatport.