Suburban Dream - Not Who You Said / Everything Comes Apart (Suburban Dream Recordings)

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), Kid Loco 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.

This single, “Not Who You Said,” is an atmospheric but solid track incorporating a deep house feel behind a punchy kick drum and hi hats that whisper as one becomes more immersed in the soundscape. Filtered pads and stuttered and pitched vocals give the track a memorable hook. It’s all very mellow and pretty, yet with a lingering dark edge. Blocks of air and clickiness give the track a slight dubstep feel – of the Burial variety but with a lushness.

Occupying the b side, “Everything Comes Apart” is a deep cinematic piece that carries the listener as it builds from its ambient beginning to a powerful percussive piece, only to float back to ambience. Continuing to build excitement through sound, the track ends unexpectedly leaving the listener wanting more.

Sunshine Jones (Dubtribe) - “Really fantastic. Perfect for my head. I’ve been missing this space and I didn’t even know it.”
Tensnake - “Nice chilled out broken beats and balearic stuff.”
Irregular Disco Workers - “‘Everything Comes Apart’ reminds me of some ’80s Italian horror film soundtrack. Really cool!”
Q-Burns Abstract Message - “This has got that proper balearic vibe that’s always a pleasure to run across.”
Justin Harris (Freaks) - “Nice and deep … warm up for sure.”
Hippie Torrales - “I’m loving ‘Not Who You Said.’”
Manuel Sahagun (Candy Music) - “Moody beats … I’m liking it!”
Black Alley (In Control Radio Show, Germany) - “I’m liking the dreamy atmosphere on both tracks … perfect for very early morning sets.”
Deadbeat Disco Radio Show - “Fantastic vibes on both cuts here … feeling the wonderfully sparkling atmospherics of ‘Everything Comes Apart’ most of the two, but both tracks shimmer with real quality.”
Borja (Lovemonk / Soleado Radio Show) - “Beautiful moods … nice one!”
Clairvo (Jazz Drive Radio Show, Hungary) - “Really lovely dream soundscapes … a must-have chill out release.”
Aja Allsop (Ketch-a-Vibe Radio Show, UK) - “The phrase ‘extremely lush’ is what comes to mind!”
Leri Ahel (Mutant Disco Radio Show) - “Lovely release. ‘Not Who You Said’ is my favorite.”
Ornette (Radial Blur Radio Show, MyHouse-YourHouse) - “This is ideal for a misty morning house set. I’m a huge fan of this release.”
Christos Kedras (Kapa Music) - “Dreamy landscapes, almost-haunted melodies, broken grooves … I love it!”

Available now from Juno Download and Beatport.

Suburban Dream - Wandering Around (Suburban Dream Recordings)

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