Tom Appl - Downtown (Karmaloft Music)

Karmaloft Music keeps up the summer pace with a new release from Munich-based sound engineer Tom Appl. Tom’s career as a DJ dates back to the early ’90s with the sounds of tech, deep, and melody-infused house music. As a producer he has previously created productions and remixes under the pseudonym Fruitroom. Two originals, “Downtown" and "Klichi,” make up his new effort with remixes from Bes & Meret, Enne, Matthias Freudmann, and Christos Fourkis.

Tom Appl combines old world gipsy style with carnival flair, all adding up with a balearic effect. It’s a blend of guitar plucking, castanets, metallic chimes, and a festive lead organ with folk style vocals delivered as a higher pitched croon. “Klichi” also feels fit for the White Isle, but the growl of its heavily distorted bass and the nerve rattling sensations of its melodic keys lend it a more after-hours appeal. The first to remix “Downtown” are Bes & Meret, two DJs also from Munich whose productions have contributed to some impressive compilations, one such being Café del Mar. They straighten out the track’s groove, providing for more drive. Dresden’s Matthias Freudmann, Munich transplant Enne, and Greek native Christos Fourkis each harden the original around the edges with more club- friendly approaches. Enne, a prolific musician and member of Mohear, with his solo releases finding a home on labels like Compost and Permanent Vacation, is a definitive highlight with a heavy house shuffle on the hats and snare placed over the top of a deep, menacing acid bass line. There’s plenty to choose from on this release for a variety of different nightclub contexts.

Vincent Kwok (Eight-Fifteen / Transport Recordings) - “Great remix from Mathias Freudmann.”
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - “Good selection of vibes and solid beats here … I’m really digging the original ‘Downtown’ and the Christos Fourkis remix. ‘Klichi’ is also superb.”
Pete Williams (Natural Rhythm) - “‘Downtown’ has a very unique and infectious sound. My favorite is the Bes & Meret remix.”
Pat Lezizmo (Conya Records) - “‘Klichi’ is just my cup of tea … such a powerful track. Loving it!”
Fine Cut Bodies (Chi Recordings) - “Some nice vibes here.”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “The Mathias Freudmann remix is just slammin’ … the bass knocks you about nicely.”
DJ Di Costa (MoodyLushious Influences) - “Beautiful and at the same time a pretty twisted release. I must say that Tom Appl has done a very intriguing job on these tracks. Enne’s Garage Remix and then Christos Fourkis’s one are my favorites but I’m quite sure I’d use the other tracks here, too.”
Kosta (Vibe FM, Romania) - “I haven’t heard of Tom Appl previously, but his work comes as a nice surprise. Good remixes, too … the Bes & Meret mix is the cherry on top.”
Mark Mac (The Sounds Collective) - “The Mathias Freudmann remix takes this track track to another level. There’s a great summer feel to this deep, driving stunner. Tune!”
Dado Funky Poetz (Radio Monte Carlo) - “A possible hit!”

Available now from Beatport and Juno Download.

Enne - Animus 90 EP (Electunes)

Viennese music label Electunes proudly presents the latest EP from Enne, the prolific DJ, piano player, drummer, and member of Mohear (who released the previous single on Electunes). With an ever-expanding discography including releases and remix work for the likes of Compost, Nang, Permanent Vacation, and Innervision, Enne has been spreading his fancy fusion of spacey house, subversive disco, and cosmic funk far and wide. Enne’s latest release, the Animus 90 EP, features three stunning original tracks accompanied by remixes from a couple of rising stars and one bonafide Italo legend.

The package opens with “Animus 90” and its rolling toms, soon joined by a punchy and squelchy bass line over a steady four-on-the-floor kick. Gentle pads and keys create a balance, revealing the track as a unique deep house groover. “Song for Kezia” follows, with electronic percussion flourishes and a classic sounding house organ exposing the melody. Spacey keys and piano chords soon enter, with the piano taking on a rousing solo at the track’s midsection. As its title implies, “Deep Vibes” takes things even deeper for Enne’s third original. Light, hypnotic keys lead the way over Enne’s trademark percussion and swinging house beats as a processed vocal appears, beckoning the dance floor further into dreamland.

For the selection of remixes, Alexander Robotnik, famed producer of the Italo classic “Problèmes D’amour” is at the front of the line with an acid house treatment of “Animus 90.” A bouncy acid line is indeed the focus, while almost Prince-like funky guitars and building pads add fuel to the track’s fire. Tom Appl (AKA Fruitroom) is next with an appealing take on “Song for Kezia” that trades the organ for some fat, bassy synth action with the other musical elements joining in for a rolling and melodic late night revision. Munich-based electric disco rocker Macchina Nera also tries his hand at “Song for Kezia,” creating a club-primed version also drawing on an Italo influence. A distinctive, rhythmic male vocal accents the beat while female vocal snippets accompany on top. Spirited instrumentation and a stirring arrangement seal the deal making this remix a surefire after hours champion.

Sunshine Jones (Dubtribe) - “Amazing. Back to what’s really important.”
Robert Owens - “‘Song for Kezia’ is a great track.”
Justin Robertson - “This is great.”
Pete Herbert - “Robotnick rules.”
Scott Hardkiss - “Pianos and drums! Two of my favorite elements in dance music which are properly WORKED HARD here. Love these songs! ‘Animus 90’ is a real winner, I’ll definitely play the original mix, and I love Robotnick’s ‘acid-piano’ remix as well. But ‘Song for Kezia’ is my favorite, proper build up into the soaring piano. Great work.”
Sleazy McQueen - “Loving that Robotnick remix!”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “Cool old school feel on the main mix, but the Macchina Nera remix is the stand out for me.”
Jay West - “Robotnick all the way!”
Tal M. Klein (Aniligital) - “Great package! Will play the Tom Appl and Robotnick remixes. Props to Enne!”
Sean Johnston (Hardway Bros / Love From Outer Space) - “All of these tracks are great. I will be trying them out at the weekend.”
Justin Harris (Freaks) - “Great EP!”
Gavin Hardkiss (Hawke) - “Tasty … funky guitar and aceeed in the Robotnick mix.”
DJ Rocca (Ajello) - “Very nice EP indeed. All the originals and remixes are great.”
Murray Richardson - “Can’t escape from Robotnick’s acid vibes!”
Makossa & Megablast - “My mate Enne does it again … good release!”
Danny Ashenden (C90s / Earl Grey) - “Robotnik remix is killlleeeerrrrrrr!”
Leri Ahel (Cosmic Disco Radio Show) - “Great release. The Tom Appl remix is beautiful.”
Ulysses (Neurotic Drum Band) - “Lots of fun tracks on here, especially the Macchina Nera remix and the Robotnick remix. Everything Robotnick touches turns to gold.”

Available now from Juno Download and Traxsource.