Still Searching is the new album from Anatoly Ice, a Moscow-based DJ who combines a shared love of hip hop, breakbeats, funk, and soul into his musical stew. A love crate digging for rare 45s, obscure rhythms from around the world, and crucial, head-nodding beats fuels Anatoly as he pilots his Funk and Beyond parties and radio show – running for more than ten years – and a distinctive production style. Still Searching transmits this in spades, delivering 17 cool cuts running the gamut from instrumental hip hop, live improvisations, abstract soundscapes, and four key tracks featuring singer, poet, and flute player Iskra.
The album opens with the funky “Happy My Love,” feeling like a jazz-funk radio staple from the ’70s. Iskra’s lovely, soulful vocals are in Russian, adding to the track’s unique vibe. Other highlights include the soaring “Now Is The Time,” “Church” with its chunky drum part and gritty instrumentation, the spaghetti-trip hop style of “My Mind At Play,” and “Real Woman” with its bluesy technique and dope scratches. Anatoly Ice has hit gold with Still Searching, proving he’s a true player on the global beat-maker scene.
Double-D (Radio X) – “Yo – deep down raw soul over there.”
Ben Mono (Undertones Gang) – “Great and outstanding release.”
Danny Masure (Spring Strut) – “Fantastic funky soul with a boom-bap twist.”
Quincy Jointz (Timewarp Music Radio Show) – Some wicked beats. My favorite is ‘I Know The Way’. Damn funky tune!”
Piiit (Septante Sept) – “Russian Soul? Wtf? Excellent!”
David Bassin (Freefall weekly radio show) – “Meaty and beaty!”
Andreas Kinzl (Aromabar) – “Strong stuff with attitude.”
DJ Soulist (What The Funk) – “Love the mood of this. Soulful beats here!”
Igor Marijuan (Ibiza Sonica FM) – “Amazing release. 5 stars.”
Diesler (A Little Something Radio) – “Sublime grooves from the Moscow maestro.”
DJ Fonetik (Ghettobazaar blog) – “I know the way is great with it’s Russian vocals. It takes me back to old Eastern pop songs and soundtracks.”
Available Now From: Bandcamp, Beatport, iTunes / Apple Music, And Spotify.