New Zealand’s Cave Recordings reaches across the Pacific and stateside to enlist Phoenix, Arizona based DJ/producer Jeff Service for its latest, The Bad Guys EP. Jeff’s been making waves since a relocation from Memphis, landing tracks on labels like Flapjack, Guesthouse Music, and Kinjo as well as having two of his cuts featured on a recent BBC One Essential Mix from Derrick Carter. Even though Jeff’s now busy with his own Ficus Tree Music label he’s still found the time to knock out three floor-shaking, seriously jackin’ house cuts for Cave. “Bad Guy Talk” sets the mood of the EP, with punched up rhythms and a horn stab motif evoking a high speed chase following a 40’s bank heist. The pursuit pauses for an extended breakdown featuring comical commentary from a familiar voice. “Baron Samedi,” named after a James Bond villian (in turn, named after a Voodoo spirit) continues the escapade with a solid four-on-the-floor beat, filtered synth melodies, percussive vocal hits, and a dreamy, but danceable, build. “Solitaire” is also on hand, a skippier house music affair featuring an acidic bass line, swirling, filtered harmonies, and an uplifting, soulful vocal line that comes out of nowhere to take over the nightclub. These three cuts are definite, welcome additions to a DJ’s set and another feather in the fedora for Jeff Service and Cave Recordings.
DJ Sneak - “Jackin’ stuff … good to go.”
Mark Farina - “‘Solitaire’ … nice!”
DJ Mes - “Jeff Service never disappoints! With a style all his own, Jeff delivers again and again.”
Marques Wyatt - “Dope.”
Abicah Soul - “Nice .. I like them all.”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “Nice, rumbling bass line and a cool groove.”
Dave Mayer (Strictly Rhythm) - “Funky stuff!”
Justin Harris (Freaks) - “Huge!”
Moodymanc - “Liking this big time.”
Daz-I-Kue (Bugz In The Attic) - “Nasty grooves … love it.”
Evan Landes (Groove Junkies) - “Nicely done. There’s definitely some heat in this EP!”
Rick Preston - “This EP is S.I.C.K.!”
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - “Cool bumpin’ stuff here; all three cuts are solid. ‘Bad Guy Talk’ for its deep and rolling bass gets the nod from me. Wicked.”
Leo Portela - “Very nice jackin’ funky techy textures … we all need it!”
Additional support from Jason Hodges, Graeme Park, Jon Cutler, Bryan Jones, Alex Dimitri South Soul, Robert Owens, Doc Link, Jerk House Connection, Alexander East, Nick Holder, Gene Hunt, and Corduroy Mavericks.
Available now from Juno Download and Beatport.