Suburban Dream Recordings was founded by Dublin producer Ciaran McCarthy in late 2007, aiming to focus on quality chilled electronic music, from downtempo and ambient to more electro-acoustic sounds. Bucking the trends, Ciaran proclaims that the label “ignores current fads, sticking to making music that is honest, heartfelt and motivated only by love.” This latest release is from Ciaran himself under the name he shares with the label, Suburban Dream. The project has released a number of singles, receiving support from the likes of Mixmaster Morris, Ben Mynott (Big Chill), and broadcasters like Soma FM and Chilltrax. Suburban Dream releases works through Parklane Recordings, iLabel, Lushgroove, and Bonzai Elemental but also continues to work with his namesake imprint. Ciaran is also the host of a weekly downtempo radio show on Irish national radio RTE and has recently had the pleasure of remixing the like-minded producer Kid Loco.
This single, “Wandering Around,” is a flavorful head-nodding track that certainly harks back to the golden age of downtempo music. This is no coincidence as the track is actually a tribute to Mark Farina’s acclaimed Mushroom Jazz series which Ciaran has repeatedly found inspiration from over the years. In addition to its solid beats “Wandering Around” also features a tight acoustic bass sound, echoey keys, rhythmic turntable scratches, soaring strings, and a vocal sample that references the cut’s inspiration. It builds beautifully, wrapping the listener within a curtain of sound. This is backed by a more trip hop inclined remix by fellow Dublin producer Spooky O Mansions (aka Declan Mc Comiskey). The beat’s a tad heavier and grittier, and emphasis is added to the keys and melody, sounding akin to an early Massive Attack remix. Though reminiscent of earlier sounds, this track and its predecessor still have a contemporary fullness to their production, satisfying modern beat-head dance floors and perhaps foretelling a welcome resurgence of a somewhat overlooked style.
Kid Loco - “Brilliant stuff. Love it.”
Nick Warren - “Both versions are excellent.”
Jask - “Both mixes are dopiness.”
Stereo 77 - “Blunted beats and breaks? Yes, thank you! A terrific package and sound reminiscent of the golden days of Ninja Tune, Mo’ Wax, and Cup of Tea Records … I’m hooked and I want to hear more!”
Quincy Jointz - “Awesome. Love this sound.”
Basement Freaks - “Good sounds!”
Will SumSuch - “Lovely moody downtempo stuff. Proper balearic terrace business.”
Mason Rothert (Below Zero Radio) - “Amazing! Love the downbeat jazz style.”
DJ Tomas (Friday Night Session, KUSF) - “Great! Reminds me of Fila Brazillia and the best tracks from Pork Recordings early Ninja Tune records. Will definitely be playing this.” Gareth Morgan (Blues & Soul Magazine) - “This is a great piece of downtempo shizzle!”
DJ Nova (Rodon FM) - “Super! Nice tribute to the one of the most well known downtempo compilations, Mark Farina’s Mushroom Jazz. Deep and jazzy, elegant hip hop beats on the original and cool heavier and funkier beats on Spooky O Mansions Remix.”
Available now from Juno Download and Beatport
Underground Dance Music Promotion