Smok - The Source (Viva Recordings)

Smok’s latest release on Viva Recordings brings us an arctic blast of deepness. The Finnish producer has had a slew of success recently on labels like unquantize, Atjazz Record Company, and his collective’s Youth Control label. "The Source" is a chilling soundtrack well suited for the winter months, with ethereal swirls and floating, haunting strings that accompany a steady, pulsing bassline.

Austin based (and Harmonious Discord Recordings label boss) PointBender teams up with the Viva crew for his first time on remix duties for the label on the flip side, lending a slightly more melodic and spaced out flavor to the remix. Keyboard stabs that sound like they are something alien, along with longer, drawn out peaks and and valleys make this remix the journey cut on this single. Whichever mix you like, just buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Steve ‘Griffo’ Griffiths (Fluid radio show) – “It’s hard to decide on a fave, but the original mix is slightly ahead at this moment (but subject to change).”
Nick Warren (The Soundgarden) – “The original is very good.”
Wil Russell (Pop Out and Play) – “Pointbender gets first place for remix duties here. Nice switching about and a shuffly shaker makes it a good little groove.”
Tony H (Late Night Munchies) – “It’s the PointBender remix for me.”
Joe Silva (Purespace) – “Beautiful sounds and just that edge of darkness. Well done.”
Simon Kirk (Proton Radio) – “Beautifully deep work from PointBender. A real delight.”

Available Now From: Bandcamp, Beatport, Apple Music, And Spotify.

Smok - My Soul (Viva Recordings)

Viva Recordings welcomes the Finnish producer Smok to the fold with My Soul, a stunning trio of deep house gems. Otherwise known as Juha Moisala, Smok hails from the exotic-sounding far north city of Oulu and has been active in Finland’s house music scene since 2002. From clubber to DJ to producer, Smok’s journey has found him recording for labels like Salted Music, DeepClass Records, Artizan Music, and Phat Elephant Recordings. Viva Recordings is just the latest stop on this emerging talent’s ascent.

“My Soul” opens the EP, announcing itself with a swinging, crisp four-on-the-floor rhythm. Gentle chords, a percolating bass line, and string swells plant the seed for the filtered and arpeggiated melody that drives this lovely tune. The following track, “Chasing,” features dramatic piano splashes and a chunkier balance of beat and bass. It’s here to add a pensive but flowing flair to late night dance sessions. “With the Stars” closes the release on an even deeper note, hypnotizing with pulsing pads, deep subs, and a drum pattern accentuated with a clap that warmly hugs the stereo field. Smok’s My Soul is exceptional, a deep EP for thoughtful floors.

Andrew Emil (Broadway and Wilson) – “This whole EP is FIRE! ‘My Soul’ IS the ONE!”
Demarkus Lewis (Grin Music) – “Classic deep vibe on these. ‘With The Stars’ is my favorite on here.”
Jay Hill (Superfreq) – “Soul rising music here! Loving these vibes.”
Tyler Stadius (Deepsite) – “Sweet, summery sounds.”
Ivan Garci (Vlosfer Records) – “What a release! Love it.”
Phonogenic (Moodmusic) – “Nice, Smok with those summer groovers. ‘Chasing’ is the one to beat here.”
Lee Jones (Country Gents / Buslife) – “Crikey! The first two tracks are so good.”
Taigo Onez (Bang Le’ Dex) – “This is so wonderful. It’s hard to pick a favorite here, excellent release by Smok!”
DJ Osric (Black and Blue Show, Perth) – “Wow, this is absolute class. Exquisite.”
Mark Mac (The Sounds Collective on Stafford FM) – “All 3 tracks are spot on for me. Loving the vibes.”

Available Now From: Traxsource, Beatport, Bandcamp, And Apple Music.