Muskox Records dig deeper into the Cheltenham, UK, scene with this exciting release by fresh producer duo Oxen Butcher. Their EP One for the label follows the pair's debut release, "Just Stay", which gained much exposure through BBC Introducing. With another release due on deep house giants Enormous Tunes' new imprint Enormous Chill in early 2016, Oxen Butcher appear to be on the cusp of a promising musical career. The emotive and finely produced sounds on EP One only further this impression.
The EP opens with "On The Cards" which captivates through a moody and relaxed house feel intertwined with a dreamily exotic vocal melody. The gentle piano melodies and deep bass are reflective and calming, serving to transport the dance floor to a warm, nostalgic place. "Inhale Exhale" follows, adding a tad more low-end drive to the release. Lush, enveloping pads, magical synth lines, and a hint of Rhodes piano give this one a special late night appeal. The percussive "Leave It All" closes the release with confidence, featuring a catchy, effected male vocal, a skippy rhythmic base, and the duo's signature lovely piano tones.
Phunk Investigation - "Good release … our favorite track is 'On The Cards'."
Larry Tee - "Beautiful!"
Mark Mac (The Sounds Collective) - "Smooth deep tunes with a haunting vibe 'Leave It All' is a banging track a real stunner."
KP London (FEEL Radio Show) - "I'm very much in love with this EP."
Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Radio Show) - "So beautiful … three absolute weapons here. 'Inhale Exhale' is so memorable right from the first listen."
Jon Manley (hOUSEwORX Radio Show) - "Haunting deep house from Oxen Butcher … all are sublime."
Brian Bacchus (Summit Sessions Radio Show) - "'On the Cards' is the favorite but 'Leave It All' is captivating as well. Great melodic sounds throughout the whole release."
SimonG (Deep South Audio) - "Smooth deepness all the way … lovely."
Cheets (Global Dance Sessions Radio Show) - "Gorgeous work!"
DJ Firefly (Couch Dancing Radio Show) - "Creative deep house with indie dance flavors … I love it."
Tariq Ziyad (Nu Urban ERA) - "I've been supporting this fantastic EP for a good month or so … standout house music. Excellent."
Available now from Beatport, Juno Download, and iTunes.