Q-Burns Abstract Message - QBAM RMX1 (Colour and Pitch)

Colour and Pitch is honored to present this selection of previously unreleased remixes from leftfield production hero Q-Burns Abstract Message. Since remixing the label's debut release ("Simpatico" by Sumsuch), Colour and Pitch has built a close relationship with the mercurial Orlando-based artist, and constant pestering for more music has finally paid off. Rescued from obscurity and lovingly remastered, QBAM RMX1 is made up of vintage Q-BAM reworks that never saw the light of day for one reason or another. It’s been a true labour of love tracking down the original artists and getting deals agreed, but one listen to this EP makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Opening the EP is a breaks-y, atmospheric, and psychedelic version of Church Williams’ 2013 indie-pop gem "Touch The Sun". Next up Q-BAM tackles "Absence" by underground trip-hop / synth-pop collective The Antirealists, supplying a bass-driven, shoe-gazing indie-dance interpretation … as addictive as it is unique. The brilliantly named Japanese Insanity receive a percussion-led, driving workout, taking their track "The Lobster" into hypnotic dance floor territory. The remix of Robert McCoy’s "Damascus" builds steadily into a trippy deep house bubbler and is off-kilter in the best possible way. Last but by no means least, Mathew Scot’s "Trauma" is re-imagined in a style reminiscent of West Coast house music during its mind-expanding golden era.

Brimming with inventiveness and creativity, these five remixes see Q-Burns Abstract Message at his vintage, genre-defying best; somehow managing to sound cerebral and visceral all at once.

Three (Hallucienda) - "Wow … par excellence. The lot of 'em."
Nick Warren - "Wonderful release … every mix is ace!"
Chris Fortier (Fade) - "All of these sound great!"
Anthony Pappa - "Cool EP … best track for me is the 'Damascas' remix."
Randall Jones (Audio Therapy / Baroque) - "Super fat sounds all over this release. Q-BAM is the king!"
Sunshine Jones (Dubtribe) - "I love 'The Lobster' remix!"
Phonogenic (Moodmusic / Turbo) - "The 'Trauma' remix is a really nice morning affair."
Claudio Coccoluto - "Great music."
Terry Francis - "The 'Trauma' remix for me."
Leigh Morgan (Fancy Human / Urban Torque) - "Liking the 'Damascas' remix here … heavy groove."
Jarle Bråthen (Full Pupp) - "A great bundle of remixes … I'm a fan."
Golf Clap (Country Club Disco) - "'The Lobster' remix is a masterpiece."
Marcia Carr (Mi-Soul Radio / Ladyz) - "Always fresh and edgy, I like the Q-BAM house style. It works best for me on the 'Absence' remix with that funky slay of beats."
DJ Tomas (Google Play / ForwardEver) - "Reveals great new angles of Q-BAM's production prowess. This is super slinky dance funk that zig-zags in all the right places."
DJ Derek Jones (Soular Grooves Radio) - "Each of these tracks is rich and texture and substance, listening pearls. A reminder that Q-BAM was also doing something well off the beaten path, not bound by genre stereotypes."
Acid Ted (music blog) - " Funky, offbeat, delightful … Q-Burns Abstract Message does it again!"

Available now from Juno Download, Beatport, iTunes, and Spotify.

Gavin & Robbie Hardkiss - Retroactive Futuristic Psychedelic Funk Bump (Whiskey Pickle Records)

Not showing any signs of letting up in the new year, Whiskey Pickle Records keeps the funk rolling with a brand new single from the legendary duo of Gavin & Robbie Hardkiss. As founders of the classic U.S. rave progenitor Hardkiss alongside their sorely missed brother Scott Hardkiss, the pair have been mainstays in every aspect of dance music as producers, promoters, label heads, and world-class DJs.

Fast forward to 2014 and the lads are still at it, offering up their latest creation in the form of “RetroactiveFuturisticPsychedelicFunkBump,” the second single from their forthcoming album 1991 which is due later this year. A slick slab of electro-boogie rhythms, the single features vocoded vox and a nasty bass that’ll take listeners on an interstellar voyage from Cybotron to Planet Rock.

A release such as this requires some serious thought when considering remixers, and Whiskey Pickle spared no expense. Having such industry luminaries as James Curd (of Greenskeepers fame) and Q-Burns Abstract Message, as well as Gavin Hardkiss’ own Hawke moniker on board has proved to be essential in creating the total package. Each remixer finds a perfect, complimentary vibe to the original; whether it’s the glossy, disco-funk of the James Curd version, or the relentless 808 bass and layered breaks on the Q-Burns Abstract Message treatment … or maybe it’s the retro, balearic vibe of the Hawke remix that does the trick? Whatever the occasion, Whiskey Pickle has the correct medicine to ease any afflictions.

Ursula 1000 - “Bumpin’ goodness!”
Sleazy McQueen - “Supremely funky.”
Richard Norris (Time And Space Machine) - “Psychfunkalicious! I’m digging it.”
Tensnake - “I love the Hawke remix.”
Fort Knox Five - “The original mix is the bomb!”
Nick Warren - “The Hawke remix is lovely.”
Psychemagik - “Sweet. I’ll play the Q-Burns Abstract Message remix tonight!”
Cyclist (Homebreakin) - “Definitely into the James Curd remix.”
Brett Johnson - “Hardkiss quality as usual.”
Hardway Bros - “The Hawke remix is ace!”
Vanilla Ace - “Weird and funky! I like it.”
Rob Warner (Ibiza Voice) - “The Q-Burns Abstract Message remix is dope. Kooky and cool.”
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - “Hawke turns in a sensational warm vibe, with a lovely change of tempo, ideal for my sets. Awesomeness all the way!”
Sumsuch (Colour and Pitch) - “Just an incredible release. Every mix is a classic. Straight into the wallet!”
Spettro - “The original mix is hot! Super duper funky … love it.”

Available now from Juno Download and Beatport.

Sumsuch feat. Will Brock - Simpatico (Colour and Pitch)

Announcing Colour and Pitch, a brand new record label specialising in handcrafted electronic music from the heart. The imprint debuts with “Simpatico,” an impressive single from underground stalwart Sumsuch. With previous releases on Urban Torque, Apollo, and Seven Music, Sumsuch has already found much favor with deep-thinking music lovers across the globe, from his home town of Brighton to Barcelona to Hoxton to Helsinki. Perhaps it is this kind of mindfulness that has lent itself so strongly to the sturdy nature of Sumsuch’s remarkably cohesive catalogue.

“Simpatico” finds Sumsuch joined by Philadelphia-based soul man Will Brock whose vocals add a seductive human touch to the producer’s already emotive and atmospheric palette. Marked by its solid, dance floor rhythm and able vocal, the cut’s chirpy textures peal in and out marrying subtle chord progressions alongside a rising drumbeat. The first of two “Simpatico” remixes comes from US techno powerhouse and self-confessed ‘reclusive perfectionist’ Myles Sergé (6ONE6 | DEFREC, ESHU Records). His speedy but spacious take on the original can only be described as melancholic - a sound that will surely appeal to fans of dreamier, esoteric club music. Twinned with off-kilter percussion, this tender slice of left-field techno is, simply put, nothing short of beguiling. Next up, Orlando native and aloof production hero Q-Burns Abstract Message lends his own special touch to “Simpatico,” complete with rolling drums and dubbed out bass lines. Treading the fine line between ‘eclectic experimenter and populist ass-shaker’ Q-BAM supplies a vintage reworking which effortlessly defies genre tags. “Kelly Drive,” another original track from Sumsuch, deftly completes the package. Full of evocative strings and just the right amount of acid, this instrumental track sees Sumsuch at his cinematic best as he recreates a journey across Philadelphia on the scenic road known as ‘Kelly Drive’.

The Philly connection throughout this release is no coincidence. As Sumsuch himself puts it: “Every artist from Philadelphia I’ve worked with over the years has brought a level of talent, soul, inspiration, and magic to each project which I have simply not experienced in any other city on Earth. In Will Brock I have found yet another Philadelphia collaborator to stretch and challenge me artistically. So this release is humbly dedicated to the City of Brotherly Love. There truly is something in the water!”

Tensnake - “The Myles Serge remix is very deep … I like it.”
Ricky Ryan (Sick Watona / Avangardia) - “The Myles Serge remix sounds nice.”
Chris Fortier - “The ‘Simpatico’ original is quite nice.”
Llorca (Art of Tones) - “Great mixes from Myles Serge and Q-Burns Abstract Message. Very nice!”
Hamza (Wind Horse Records) - “Wow, ‘Kelly Drive’ is amazing! Now that is pure class … this is timeless.”
Lars Behrenroth - “The Myles Serge remix is huge!”
Christos Kedras (Kapa Music) - “Q-Burns Abstract Message hits the right spots here … I’m loving the trippy broken groove.”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “Warm and dreamy sounds … something for the terraces.”
Michael Fossati (Spirit of House) - “Gorgeous remix by Myles Serge oozing with enchanting atmospheric melodies and smooth yet thrilling rhythms.”
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - “Both originals are cool here, ‘Kelly Drive’ being the personal choice from the two, but from this package it has to be Q-Burns Abstract Message. What a superb remix … I’m really feeling the percussive flow and the overall bounce to the track. Ace.”

Available now from Juno Download and Beatport.

Sr Mandril - Remixed Vol. 2 (Three Sixty Tunes)

“Sr Mandril have a goal: merge electro elements with thoroughly live guitar, bass, keys and percussion. The payoff: a crossbreed of acid jazz, ambient, lounge, trip hop and house with latin rhythm and flair. This is the sound of Mexico right now.” - Festival International de Jazz de Montreal

Sr Mandril was born in 2000 when Germán González and Ramsés Ramírez decided to merge their musical ideas. The resulting sound was electronic undertones mixed with organic instruments creating a sonic image of colors, sounds and influences that go from indie-dance to acid jazz and ambient all with that Latin feel. Sr. Mandril spend a lot of time on the road playing live at various festivals and venues around South America. This release from Three Sixty Tunes, the new dance floor division of veteran San Francisco leftfield imprint Three Sixty Records, showcases a diverse set of remixes of tracks from this exciting Latin American electronic act.

Two exquisite original tunes are found in this set, both featuring the vocals of Isabelle Malchionni and the intricate multi-instrumentation of the band. The rollicking “So Simple” opens with a carnival-like organ motif and a two-step breakbeat rhythm before falling head on into a flurry of wah-wah guitar, horn stabs, latin percussion, and Isabelle’s playful vocals. “Reino De La Luna” is, as its title might hint, a dreamy, Balearic style track with a floating feel, lovely, emotive vocals, spacious guitar and saxophone riffs, and a powerful crescendo. This track has been masterfully remixed by Three Sixty’s in-house maestro Darkhorse, who has an extensive discography on not only Three Sixty but also classic labels like Tummy Touch, Pussyfoot, and Ubiquity. His “Reino De La Luna” lovingly brings out the dubby aspects of the track, placing them on top of a groovy four-on-the-floor rhythm and adding a healthy dose of treatments and effects. This cut is Balearic bliss and is arriving just in time to close out the summer. Also in play are two remixes of the aforementioned “So Simple,” with the first courtesy of the legendary Chris Coco. In between his Melodica radio show and promoting his new Freedom Street album on Melodica Recordings, Chris found the time to assemble an expansive, cinematic downtempo re-work that throbs and glistens. Isabelle becomes a torch song chanteuse in Chris’ world, accompanied by muted trumpet and big, bold string pads. Lovely. Finally, Florida’s imprisoned wizard Q-Burns Abstract Message takes the reigns of “So Simple” for a rhythm-heavy remix that harks back to the breaky tunes from the 90’s he used to spin in the back room at the renowned Phat N’ Jazzy club night. It’s dance floor funk with a classic sound, complimenting Sr Mandril’s original with class and flair. Five eclectic, quality cuts and another brilliant package from Three Sixty … enjoy!

Tim “Love” Lee (Tummy Touch) - “Love it. Perfect for the summer.”
Kid Loco - “The Darkhorse Remix is my thing, and the Q-Burns Abstract Message remix is great, too.”
The Glimmers - “The Q-Burns Abstract Message mix is a nice groover … will try it out this weekend.”
Robbie Hardkiss - “The Darkhorse mix feels like I’m driving to the beachfront poolside lounge where the Q-Burns Abstract Message remix makes me want to order a fruity rum cocktail from a bar tending panda, while I splash and dance until the Chris Coco remix puts me in bed with a friend.”
Irregular Disco Workers - “Chris Coco’s remix is amazing!”
Djuma Soundsystem - “The Q-man’s still got it!”
Severino (Horse Meat Disco) - “The Darkhorse remix is my favorite.”
Phat Phil Cooper - “Chris Coco mix is nice… will play and say!”
Stereo 77 - “Both Darkhorse and Q-Burns Abstract Message deliver perfect summertime jams!”
Jota Wagner (Colors Sound System) - “Exquisite … let the sunshine in!”
Andy Wilson (Ibiza Sonica FM / Balearica) - “A nice packages. All the remixes are good, and the originals are strong as well.”
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - “Cool sounds on this release and some lovely textures on the cuts. ‘Reino De La Luna’ is really gorgeous. Then Q-Burns Abstract Message again turns in a superb, percussive vibe. I’m really digging that.”
DJ Nelson (Power FM, Dublin) - “Cool release. The Darkhorse Remix of ‘Reino de la Luna’ is great. The track takes you on a cool journey with the guitar and dubbed style delay/echo effects. Great job.”
Matthias Kirsch (JazzRadio 106.8 FM, Berlin) - “Both remixes of ‘So Simple’ are a great mixture of laid-back lounge combined with some jazzy elements. Just brilliant.”
Jamie Topham (CDPool / Summer Soulstice) - “Eclectic fusion of the electronic and the balearic on this Sr Mandril release. Fairly strong productions throughout, with Chris Coco’s exquisite remix ‘So Simple’ and the Q-Burns Abstract Message funk/jazz-infused workout of the same track as the stand out moments here.”
Pepe Link (Insel Radio) - “The perfect soundtrack for a Balearic sundown.”

Available now from Juno Download and Beatport.