King Mono - Bump In The Night (Tummy Touch)

King Mono is the band / production duo of Little Shalimar (né Torbitt Schwartz) and Jeremy Wilms. The two met doing time in the rhythm section of the legendary afrobeat unit Antibalas. In the early 2000s they founded the sophisticated disco-soul machine Chin Chin who put out two records on the now defunct Definitive Jux record label. Combining elements of funk, RnB, house, dance hall, hip hop, and '70s big beat rock, King Mono’s sound should be welcomed by fans of other genre bending futurists like Pharrell Williams and Little Dragon.

Their debut album, Bump In The Night, is set to make its mark on Tummy Touch and features vocals from RnB breakout singer Jesse Boykins III. The album embraces their quirky electronic impulses, modern programming, and psychedelic mushrooms, crafted from a collection of vintage analogue synths and portable drum machines. King Mono gave a taste of their sound with last year’s Straight to VHS EP that picked up steam on Bandcamp and through magazines like FACT and Okayplayer.

Other than the implicative album title, the idea of nighttime as a space to do things that you wouldn’t do during the day lends itself to the experimental and loose “anything goes” vibe of the producers' output. Instrumental tracks like “Big Bass Drum” have an overarching dark, heady vibe that seems more suited a for a solo night drive. Touching more on a song-based structure, "Ointment" skips along in a light and breezy be-bop fashion with fat guitars providing a resonating low end. Organs and keys reign supreme on "Infamous Van" while suggestive lyrics take the listener on a ride through simpler adolescent times. But don't try and relegate this one to the backseat … it needs more room than that.

“Pet Peeves” is Shalimar’s take on a sound inspired by Missy Elliott and Timbaland's mid-2000s collaborations, buoyed by Boykin’s raw vocals -- RnB with cutting edge production and enough style to carry itself into pop territory. It gets a completely new lease on life from Sunrise Highway, the trio of Tim Wagner, Amy Douglas, and Nick Chacona, each with their own strong New York City pedigrees. Atmospheric, sophisticated, broad, layered, and evolving are all accurate descriptors of their work which lies somewhere between Italo-disco and the best of '80s songwriting.

If these peculiar tracks are anything to go off of for the album, then listeners might expect to stumble across some brighter moments of enjoyment on this strange trip through the dark.

Kid Loco - "F%^king great."
Tensnake - "That Sunrise Highway remix of 'Pet Peeves' is top."
Vanilla Ace - "Very funky it's like NERD meets Funkadelic."
Kraak & Smaak - "We like it!"
All Good Funk Alliance - "Nice. This is like Outkast meets Beck. All of these songs are dope."
Ivan Smagghe (It's A Fine Line) - "I love 'Ointment'."
Ilya Santana (Eskimo Recordings) - "That Sunrise Highway remix is very special … nice version."
Roy Dank (Beg to Differ / Wurst Music Co.) - "Cool vibes!"
Telonius (Gomma) - "Tummy Touch is one of my favorite labels … great album!"
Walter Jones (DFA / Under the Shade) - "I love the quirky vibe … nice release."
Robert Lochmann (The Jazzmadass Radioshow) - "A cool, fun, and mysterious sound."
Matt Haze (More SF / Slayers Club) - "It's like Pharrell on mushrooms. 'Pet Peeves' will be great for the warm weather."
Diesler (A Little Something) - "Loving the Sunrise Highway remix -- oh yessss!"
DJ Doubles (Freestyle Fusion) - "An intricate combo of catchy melodies with a feel-good pop mentality … this makes me happy!"

Available now from Juno Download, Amazon, and iTunes.

Steve Arrington - Without Your Love (Tummy Touch)

Lately, after dropping off of the funk music map to answer a higher-higher calling, Steve Arrington has been revisiting his younger self, twenty plus years more mature. In his 20s he was a part of the '70s funk group Slave before branching off on his own. He had many hit singles in both capacities that would go on to be sampled by the top players in hip-hop (just check the credits on tracks by A Tribe Called Quest, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, N.W.A, etc). This isn't to say he isn't focused on his present self, having worked with Dâm-Funk for Stones Throw recently. It's very much a conversation -- one that the Tummy Touch label is helping to facilitate.

Tummy Touch have put together a platform to release Steve Arrington's single “Without Your Love", as part of their upcoming collection Way Out 80 - 84. The song was started in 1982, but was put in the can and never finished or released. This year it was pulled out of the abyss and finally finished and mixed down. A sweet dub companion from Tim "Love” Lee is included which those graduated from the nu school of disco should flip out over. Also featured is another of Steve's tracks remixed by Opolopo (Tokyo Dawn / Local Talk) with modern 'umph,' done up totally '80s style.

"Without Your Love" lets listeners know right from the start that Steve's still "got that vibe" and is "keeping it funky," picking up right where he left off. Lyrically, there's no doubt it's an uplifting tune and musically it's as heavy with funk as ever. A bass guitar rattles off with smooth licks on top and there's plenty of hand percussion adding to the lively feel of the groove. There's an instrumental included for those with alternative motives.

Further adding to the choices, Tim "Love" Lee provides a dub sure to dovetail booties right for the dance floor. His version is everything anybody would ever want in a dub, extending it out spaciously into ten glorious minutes. It's not tough to imagine the field day a veteran DJ would have teasing it out with hands glued to the isolators. The plentiful and ever diverse Opolopo introduces a remix of “Nobody Else But You", another Steve Arrington gem. The vocals are the party favorite, delivered enthusiastically and sure to inspire a crowd to sing along, while Opolopo's production will bring out the best in step-then-clap boogie moves. In true G-funk fashion, the synths sound burnt out, squealing as they spin up a cloud of smoke. The sliding bass is rubbery as hell and the rhythmic guitar struts its stuff over top.

Tensnake - “Funky EP … I like the ’Nobody Else But You’ Opolopo Remix.”
Peter Kruder (Kruder & Dorfmeister) - “Great to hear Steve Arrington’s voice again … cool versions by the gents on the controls.”
Robbie Hardkiss - “I love Opolopo’s remix!”
Kraak & Smaak - “Cool … I love the dope Dub version of 'Without Your Love'.”
Chris Todd (Crazy P / Hot Toddy) - “Just pure quality! It's Steve Arrington ... say no more.”
X-Press 2 - “Ace … love it!”
Alex From Tokyo (Tokyo Black Star) - "All tracks are ace! This is such a great project."
PBR Streetgang - “Yes, the Opolopo remix is great stuff!”
Sleazy McQueen - “Amazing additions right here!”
Nacho Marco (Loudeast) - “Opolopo’s remix of ‘Nobody Else But You’ is superb!”
Chateau Flight (Versatile Records) - “I love Steve Arrington … the Dub bersion is insane!”
Ulysses (Neurotic Drum Band) - “I'm torn between the Dub and the Opolopo remix for a favorite. I'm a sucker for the dub, but the remix feels so right.”
Evan Iff (Large / Dirt Crew) - “Opolopo’s remix is friggin’ great!”
Jarle Bråthen (Full Pupp) - “Great stuff … full support from Norway!”
Jamie Topham (CDPool) - “Despite the fact that Mr. Steve Arrington is one of my musical heroes, Tummy Touch have definitely pulled out an absolute nugget of a release here!”
Quincy Jointz (Timewarp Music Radio Show, Germany) - “Very nice one ...12" mix of ‘Without Your Love’ is my choice.”
Simon Hodge (BBC 6 Music) - “Funky in just the right way!”

Now available from Juno Download and iTunes.

King Mono - Straight to VHS (Tummy Touch)

King Mono is the band / production duo of Little Shalimar (né Torbitt Schwartz) and Jeremy Wilms. The two met doing time in the rhythm section of the legendary Afrobeat unit Antibalas. In the early 2000s they founded the sophisticated disco soul machine Chin Chin who put out two records on the now defunct Definitive Jux record label. Yearning for an outlet for their more contemporary and quirky electronic impulses they began work on a new series of tunes based around a bunch of analog synths and drum machines, modern programing, and psychedelic mushrooms. Combining elements of funk, RnB, house, dance hall, hip hop, and '70s big beat rock, King Mono’s sound should be welcomed by fans of other genre bending futurists like Pharrell Williams and Little Dragon.

With Shalimar and Wilms' eccentric backgrounds, one must be prepared for their work to reflect this. King Mono's new EP, Straight to VHS, handled by the equally eclectic Tummy Touch label, is off-kilter but hits the mark. As this is in preparation of their forthcoming debut album Bump In The Night, any kind of guess as to what will happen on the full length would be frivolous. Plenty of character abounds on this new EP which serves as a first taste of what's coming with tunes featuring vocal appearances from Tiombe Lockhart, Chico Mann, Micah Gaugh, and -- yes -- David Lee Roth and Notorious B.I.G.. "Tiger Tiger" is the DJs highlight, an electro funk track with sly vocals that exude unequivocal cool all with an '80s sleaze. "Mosca" follows with breakbeat and booty bass wrapped up in Latin flavor. Curveballs like "Corriendo Con El Diablo" and "Can I Get Wit Cha" are thrown in for good effect. A strange twist of salsa and classic American rock, "Corriendo Con El Diablo" is hard to explain, but easy to shake the hips to. Equally surprising, a classic piano swing fit for an old time saloon underlays big hip-hop vocals sure to make "Can I Get Wit Cha" notorious for all those who listen. In addition, the EP also features the bleepy, subdued techno of "Room," once again featuring vocals one would not imagine, this time a disillusioned croon.

ALTZ (Altzmusica / DFA) - “Yeah … super summer breeze!”
Tee Cardaci (Low Down Grooves / Sine Qua Non) - “This sh%t is mental! Every cut is from its own freaky planet. Looking forward to dropping Mosca in the middle of a house set at an upcoming gig in Buenos Aires. It will either go over massive or there will be a lot of head scratching. Either way, looking forward to it!”
Tony D’Onghia (Radio Koper-Capodistria) - “So strange, it’s brilliant!”
Ennio Styles (Stylin’ Radio Show) - “I miss Chin Chin, so its good to hear a new project from these guys. Tiombe Lockhart, Chico Mann, David Lee Roth and Notorious BIG on one EP … now there’s a lineup!”
Mojo Rising (Cold Busted / F.A.M.I.L.Y.) - “A very unique and diverse release here. The real win for me here is ‘Tiger Tiger’ … funky beat with kick ass bass, and those slinky vocals.”
Niksa Dragolin (Eurostar Radio, Croatia) - “Nice twists, and an interesting combination.”
Corbin Dooley (Electric Feel Radio Show) - “Great fun. It brings back memories of the electroclash days.”
Velanche (Velanche’s Playtime Radio Show) - “Things that just should never go together somehow result in a sly bit of brilliance. This. Is. Great.”
Borja Señorlobo (Lovemonk) - “King Mono rocks!”

Now available as a free download from The Tummy Touch Shop.

Phenomenal Handclap Band - PHB Loves NYC (Tummy Touch)

Always at the forefront of innovation, the Tummy Touch label continues their alliance with New York-based psych-rock-dance-soul sensation Phenomenal Handclap Band. The band’s anticipated remix album PHB Loves NYC will, without a shadow of a doubt, help make summer ’13 one to remember. Since their humble beginnings - comprised of founding members Daniel Collas and Sean Marquand - the band has snowballed in size and popularity. In 2008 Patrick Wood, Luke Riverside, Laura Marin, Bing Ji Ling, Pier Pappalardo, and Joan Tick joined the band and by 2012 they had released their second full-length album, Form and Control. PHB Loves NYC follows this with remixes by ten DJ / producers working in the NYC scene as the band pays loving homage to the vibrant club culture forever entrenched in richness of their city.

Included are remixes from hometown heroes Dennis “Citizen” Kane, DJ Spun, Tokyo Black Star, and Max Pask (aka Maxime). Characterized by heavy-handed guitar strings and a mounting anticipation, seminal house head Dennis Kane turns in a dreamily meandering rendition of “All Clichés” while Rong Records honcho and close DFA affiliate DJ Spun effects a lighter, buoyant tonality with his carefree version of “Shake.” Marrying elements of indie and disco in perfect stride, “Shake” is quintessential listening for crossover fans of what’s been recently termed ‘indie dance.’ Another example of the kind of exquisite diversity one can expect from this pack of summer tunes comes from DJ / production outfit Tokyo Black Star. Split between Tokyo and New York, Alex Prat and Isao Kumano’s plunging take on “The Right One” is as catchy as it is galactic with its robotic-sounding backdrop and misty vocals. Next, vinyl guru and party promoter Max Pask does what he does best handing over a sleek brooding adaptation of “Mirrors.” Like much of this release, “Mirrors” mixes ingredients from all corners of the disco, house, and indie continuums.

Sit back, relax, and let Phenomenal Handclap Band take you out for an unforgettable night in New York.

Tensnake - “Nice remixes from one of my favorite albums of the year!”
Sunshine Jones (Dubtribe) - “Wonderful!”
Erik Rug - “I’m really into the DJ Spun and Maxime remixes … I’ll play this!”
Greg Wilson - “Really good!”
Sleazy McQueen - “I’m lovin the Mondee Oliver samples in DJ Spun’s remix … yeah!”
Bill Brewster (djhistory.com) - “The DJ Spun and Dennis Kane mixes the picks for me … both are really nice.”
The Glimmers - “Love it!”
LawnChair Generals - “Shake! Shake! Shake! DJ Spun delivers on this one!”
Irregular Disco Workers - “The Tokyo Black Star Remix is amazing!”
DJ Sabo (Sol*Selectas) - “Cool remixes with nice vintage sounds.”
Sumsuch (Colour and Pitch) - “A wonderful, inventive stash of remixes here.”
Leri Ahel (Mutant Disco Radio Show) - “I’m a big fan of PHB. Every track is a winner here.”
Richard Hardcastle (Solid State / All Out War) - “This EP means business from bar one. I’m going for DJ Spun’s mix as my fave but all are brilliant and all are completely different treatments. The sh*t, basically.”
Bootsy (For The Love Radio Show, UK) - “Great remixes of one of my favorite bands. Maxime’s remix of ‘Mirrors’ is my pick. DJ Spun’s mix of ‘Shake’ a close second.”
Black Alley (In Control Radio Show) - “Maxime’s ‘Mirrors’ remix is sooo my vision of a deep and sexy night in NYC.”

Available now from iTunes, Amazon, Juno Download, and the Tummy Touch Bandcamp store.