Esbe - Late Night Headphones Vol. 1 (Cold Busted)

Originally released on Dusted Wax Kingdom in 2010, Late Night Headphones Vol. 1 is the first part of a three part series from multi-genre producer Esbe. Esbe is based in Los Angeles, and through releases on Dusted Wax Kingdom, Cult Classic, and Cold Busted (which issued his acclaimed album Bloomsday), he’s proven his sublime beat-making acumen. Esbe’s forte is atmospheric instrumental production, incorporating cut-up jazz and soul samples mixed into an intricate and tasty sonic stew.

“Heart’s Treasure” sets the tone with lost-in-time jazz snatches and bluesy vocals beaming in like a distant transmission, anchored by head-nod beats. This sound is developed through “Overflow,” evoking a playful summertime vibe as casual melodies and crunchy drums are layered through the tune’s progress. “Chant For Love” presents a tougher beat, offset by gentle guitar chords and a delightfully dreamy vocal hook. And “Dark Shade Of Blue” shows a futuristic side to Esbe’s production, utilizing pulsing pads and voice hits to soundtrack a lonely spacewalk.

These are just a few highlights from the 18 track Late Night Headphones Vol. 1. The entire album is exquisite, and with this re-release signaling the album’s first appearance on physical formats — including double vinyl, cassette, and CD — there will be a whole new slew of fans discovering Esbe’s sonic palette.

The Funk Hunters (Westwood Recordings) – “Always heat from Esbe!”
Rusty (All Good Funk Alliance) – “Nice collection of emotionally laced breaks and vibes.”
Kid Loco (Flor) – “Really moody and quite cool.”
Barry Ashton (Dub Pistols) – “Perfect summer grooves.”
Dj Halabi (Reversion Records) – “Dope! Eloquent jazz hop landscapes being crafted here.”
Double-D (Funky Fresh Radio Show) – “Deep down quality stuff here.”
Floored Capri (Kane FM) – “Solid set of instrumentals right here. Sounding fresh, just the way I like ‘em!”
DJ Junior (Eavesdrop Radio WKDU 91.7FM) - “Ok, my neck hurts. 5/5”
Jay Scarlett (Sounds Supreme Radio Show) – “Perfect beats for the chill or the club.”
Aja Allsop (Ketch A Vibe Radio Show) – “A stunning selection of beats for those times when you simply want to chill.”

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

Lanzo - Omnipotent (Cold Busted)

Chicago’s Carington Pierre, also known as Lanzo, has bestowed evidence of his cosmic hip hop beatology to the Cold Busted label in the form of a new album, Omnipotent. Previously recording for BLVNT Records and the Natural Selection label, Lanzo specializes in a style of experimental hip hop that draws from boom-bap, soulful downtempo, and atmospheres that lean toward the celestial. Lanzo and his trusty MPC 1000 have been actively producing since 2008 and Omnipotent confirms his upward trajectory, presenting fifteen tasty sonic morsels that groove in a confident but abstract fashion.

Highlights include “Comfort Zone” which envelopes a swinging rhythm in dreamy strings, distant voices, and rolling bass, and the odd but appealing “Gutter Balls”, featuring some deliciously drunken synths. There’s also the melancholy quiet storm of “Colours”, “Against The Wall” and its heavily processed beat magic, and the loping sci-fi jazz of “Between Friends”. Omnipotent is a heady listen, displaying textures and swirls that accentuate the sturdiness of its drum beats. Lanzo has provided a distinctive soundtrack that’s ready-made for day blazing or night groovin’.

Kid Loco (Flor) – “Great beats!”
Afrika Islam aka Charlie Funk (Zulu Nation) – “Dope!”
DJ Nova (Rodon FM 95) – “Mellow intergalactic instrumental hip hop at it’s best.”
misterG (Green Arrow Radio Show) – “Getting a boom-bap to my ear-holes with this new release from Lanzo.”
Azaxx (Tru Thoughts) – “All of these tracks are BIG! Amazing good vibes inside this project.”
Rory Hoy (Howlin’ Records) – “Amzaing Hip-Hop beats. Love it!”
Mr. Bristow (Subtek) – “Lovely selection. Warm, wonky and funky … real hop hop!”
Clairvo (Tilos Radio FM 90.3) – “Experimentalism at it’s best.”
Ben Mono (Undertones Gang) – “Nice one. Will play on my radioshow.”
Aja Allsop (Ketch A Vibe Radio Show) – “Well done Cold Busted. You have come up with the goods once again!”

Available Now From: Bandcamp, Beatport, iTunes, And Spotify.