Cyan C - Trackside Trespass (Them On The Hill)

Cyan C showcase the diversity of the Them On The Hill collective’s talent, providing a journey not yet travelled by the label. The duo delves into the darker side with this peak-time nugget titled “Trackside Trespass.”

Cyan C is comprised of Simon Tappenden and Cliff Choudhury. Simon’s recent solo productions have included remixes for Android Cartel and Opolopo as well as original tracks on Atmospheric Existence Recordings and WAAP under the pseudonym Ourra. He previously released tunes as a member of Pop Out and Play for the likes of Sumsonic, Alola, and Special Needs. Currently working at Alola Records, Cliff’s career has seen him hold a residency as the legendary Danny Rampling’s warm up DJ, playing at Festivals like Glastonbury as well as clubs across the globe.

As the title “Trackside Trespass” suggests, this cut takes the listener to a place that’s out of bounds. Starting off with a solid bass line the track heads into the dark and as it slowly builds one gets a sense of exciting things to come. A distant rumble gives warning of a train coming but there’s nowhere to go. As clanking percussive noises coalesce from metal grinding against the grooves, in comes a sweep of whirling air displaced by the body of linked cars, with electric currents propelling everything forward. An ever-present stab and wavering synth pads are the beacons as the train thunders past. It’s a potent house music moment that’s totally suited for the late night warehouse, or for perilously dodging trains from the edges of a long tunnel. With its big sound for a big sound system, “Trackside Trespass” is now boarding for anybody willing to ride this twisted journey.

Brett Johnson - “Whoa! It’s a builder!”
Alexander Robotnick - “Nice.”
Tom Lown (Savoir Faire / Lost My Dog) - “Very cool. Tough, full, bouncy sounds. The nice deep chords at half way round it off well.”
Q-Burns Abstract Message - “Lovely builder. I’ll be playing this.”
Tyler Stadius - “Good trippy track here. I like the way it gets from dark and serious into the groove.”
Sumsuch (Colour and Pitch) - “This one rolls along nicely.”
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - “Wicked rolling deep-tech vibes … I love the gradual build of the track, with the synths adding a great touch in the last third. Looking forward to dropping this one all over the place! Awesome.”
Hippie Torrales - “Nice and deep … great mood.”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “Meaty and mean groove.”
Tom Conrad (Adaptation Music) - “A really well produced track with a fantastic deep vibe. Full support.”
The Orator (High On Beats / Mushpost Radio) - “Bouncy and catchy … the last half really opens up.”
Velanche (Velanche’s Playtime Radio Show) - “This track is deep, dark and wicked! A nice surprise.”

Available now from Juno Download and Beatport.

Cyan C / Raw - Acid Blossom EP (Them On The Hill)

The Them On The Hill collective was founded in Sheffield circa 1993 by a group of talented young DJs and party people to put on top notch club nights and warehouse jams in the UK’s ‘rave’ heyday. These parties were renowned and respected as events where the deepest and freshest tunes from Chicago, New York, and Detroit (and music influenced by those cities) could be heard. In 2010, inspired by those past hedonistic days and the sounds that accompanied them, Them On The Hill transformed into a music label focusing on releases and projects from the collective’s members.

The label’s latest release, the Acid Blossom EP, highlights two production outfits giving sonic nods to classic house music and acid house within three top notch tracks. Up first is Cyan C, which is a duo comprised of Simon Tappenden and Cliff Choudhury. Simon is previously known as a member of Pop Out and Play, having released tunes for the likes of Sumsonic, Alola, and Special Needs. Cliff was the winner of Muzik’s Bedroom Bedlam DJ competition in 1998 and went on to become the legendary Danny Rampling’s resident warm-up DJ. Together they deliver their debut cut, “Acid Blossom,” which explores the deeper realm of acid house through its enticingly chunky rhythm and funked-out 303 melodies while exhibiting a surprisingly dreamy touch. The track was also mastered by renowned New Zealand tech-house producer Pure Science who the Cyan C blokes have always held in high regard.

Next comes Raw, better known as DJ Raw (he has stepped away from the decks and dropped the ‘DJ’ part) and a longtime staple of Sheffield’s dance music scene, starting his career on local community radio playing a mix of UK and US house in the 80s. In 1997 Raw collaborated with Callum Wordsworth as Digital Boogie, releasing tunes for DIY Discs, Funknose, and Candy Records. Also, Raw worked with fellow Sheffield DJ/producer Groove Assassin as Vibes Inc., contributing seminal tunes for labels like Glasgow Underground, 4th Floor, Transport, and Black Vinyl Records. Here Raw presents a pair of tracks, opening with the uptempo but still deep-flavored “The House Always Wins.” There’s more funky acid riffage to be found here, complimented by snappy drum machine beats, deep, rolling bass, and hypnotic pads. It’s a pure late night affair. Raw’s second contribution, “Quite Gentle (Love Mix),” shows its classic-sounding feel through punchy synth chord stabs, a tough disco groove, and a lush vocal sample from “Sueño Latino” to help transport the dance floor back to another time and place.

Justin Robertson (The Deadstock 33s) - “Love this EP, all cracking and right up my street.”
Tom Findlay (Groove Armada / Lovebox) - “‘Acid Blossom’ is great. I’m shuffling in my chair as I write this.”
Giom - “Nice production!”
DJ Rocca (Ajello) - “Good acid house.”
Q-Burns Abstract Message - “All three tracks are refreshing, but it’s the chug of ‘Acid Blossom’ that’s won my favor. Superb release!”
DJ Schwa (Shades Of Gray) - “Great summery disco tunes. ‘Acid Blossom’ is nice.”
Murray Richardson (Rebel Waltz) - “Hypnotic house vibes … I like this. ‘Acid Blossom’ is cool.”
Baby G (Dance Disorder) - “Great release, all tracks sounding fantastic.”
Tim “Love” Lee (Tummy Touch) - “Lovely!”
Hippie Torrales - “Extreme groove going on here. ”
Stevie Kotey (Bear Funk) - “Bouncy, bouncy … I love it.”
Dave Mayer (Strictly Rhythm) - “‘Quite Gentle’ is nice.”
Chrissy Murderbot - “Loving this!”
Jan Mikulin (Data Transmission) - “This feels like an unapologetically rose-tinted introspection / reflection on the heyday of clubland and I love it.”
Michael Fossati (Spirit Of House) - “‘Quite Gentle (Love Mix)’ is the one. I’m feeling those deep rhythms and gorgeous melodies.”
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - “Really feeling ‘Acid Blossom’ and ‘Quite Gentle (Love MIx)’ here. In particular loving the little references to ‘Sueno Latino’/’E2-E4’ on the latter … cracking!”

Additional support from Erol Alkan, Severino (Horse Meat Disco), Space Ranger, Benji Candelario, Makossa & Megablast, Johnwaynes, DJ Harri (Sub Club), Natural Rhythm, Mademoiselle Caro, Vincent Kwok, Dave Mothersole, Jota Wagner, and Craig Stewart.

Available now from Juno Download and Beatport.