Ransel - Taiga (Beatservice Records)

Ransel makes a stunning return to Beatservice Records, evoking exotic atmospherics via the heads-down rhythms of "Taiga." It's the latest sonic treat under the relatively fresh Ransel moniker by venerated artist Øivind A Sjøvoll. Perhaps best known for his work recorded under the Kohib alter-ego, Sjøvoll has made a habit of surprising with his impossible-to-predict musical output, expertly drifting through stylistic barriers with each carefully constructed release. True to form and in keeping with the Ransel catalog to date, "Taiga" is immaculately produced and primed to enliven esoteric floors.

"Tiaga" utilizes a deceptively slow tempo, throbbing rhythms, an undulating synth bass drive, and exotic melodies across a stripped panorama, with Eastern motifs bursting into focus as harmonic guitar rhythms meander in the distance. Nocturnally charged and brimming with mystery, the magnetic groove captivates throughout as the arrangement bubbles and builds.

This compelling Ransel release is another powerfully evocative work from Sjøvoll, an intriguing addition to the evolving Beatservice roster.

Bill Shephard (Push Music) – “Balearic bombshell.”
Steve ‘Griffo’ Griffiths (The Flow Mechanik) – “Sublime! Chilled to the gills.”
Black Mighty Wax (Irma Records) – “intriguing mood here.”
Spaceotter (Camp Conception) – “Great sneaky groover. Hits just in the right way.”
Brad Eller (Glass Slipper) – “Nice and cinematic.”
Jon Fugler (XLNT radio show) – “Sublime … right up my street and lovely for those more discerning terraces as summer approaches.”

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

Legs 11 - This Is Your Home (Beatservice Records)

Legs 11 was formed when Sigmund Floyd, of Palace of Pleasure fame, joined forces with Torstein Dyrnes from the now defunct Playstation duo Tøyen, and mysterious bedroom musician Nils Tveten. During a karaoke-fuelled haze in the seedy parts of Oslo, they discovered a shared love of synth-pop, post-punk, new wave, and house music. Drawing on these influences, the band has created a diverse musical universe, ranging from dark repetitive guitar-driven tracks, via infectious pop gems, to deep yet melodic dancefloor-orientated grooves. In 2017 they were joined by multi-instrumentalist Audun Severin Eftevåg, providing the final piece of the Legs 11 puzzle.

"This Is Your Home" is a choice banger provided to the Beatservice label, laying out the quartet's floor-happy basement groove. It's gritty and real, featuring a steady kick drum bop and the right amount of deep house swing. Cool post-punk style vocals statements ride on top as staccato pads and pulsing bass movements drive the motion. The real treat comes in the last third as an effected saxophone motif dramatically introduces a snaking melody, sending the cut into the late-night bliss zone.

DJ H4L 9000 (Excuse Me? Club) – “Quite the additive tune.”
Redstickman (The Ambient Mafia) – “Tribal Chugger, love it.”
FineCutBodies (Chi Recordings) – “Love the unique production.”
Sean Johnston (History Clock) – “Utter insanity!”
Hober Mallow (Mighty Reel) – “Strange but cool, really like this one. Love how it bubbles and squelches away.”
Jon Wesley (Insomniac) – “I really weird mid tempo stuff like this, so it’s right up my alley. Perfect for afterhours jams.”

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

Ransel - Islands (Beatservice Records)

Beatservice Records is thrilled to announce the *Islands EP from Ransel – an intriguing new project birthed from the inspired mind of Øivind A Sjøvoll, better known as Kohib.

The Islands EP sees Sjøvoll adopt a floor-focused sound for the all-new moniker, serving two typically finessed compositions that each exude the distinguished quality of production we've come to expect from the skilled sonic craftsman. Having released scores of well-regarded titles on some of the world's most revered underground labels, his latest project is a perfect fit for his familiar Beatservice home.

Both tracks on the EP feature bewitching vocals performed by Charlotte Qamaniq and Kathleen Merrit, who spent time visiting his Tromsø hometown back in 2018. Embellishing the music with a delightfully mysterious charm, their traditional throat singing lends itself perfectly to Sjøvoll's profound sound signature. The opening track "Qimmiq" unfolds over a hypnotic midtempo rhythm, with the unforgettable vocals echoing over a bed of immaculately formed synth textures as thick waves of percussion add endless depth to the groove. Undulating over a deeply immersive arrangement, the music mesmerizes as it effortlessly builds. Nudging the tempo while delicately upping the energy levels, the propulsive strut of "Islands" is equally atmospheric. Rugged drums and infectious percussion provide the club-ready power before the almighty bass hook adds infinite weight to the groove. Purposefully ebbing and flowing over a full-bodied arrangement, saucer-eyed synths and loose-limbed congas swirl over the grainy vocal chants, combining to create a gloriously enigmatic moment of dance-focused abandon.

Striking, original, and overflowing with class, this is yet more impressive work from Sjøvoll, leaving us waiting with bated breath to hear more music crafted under his fascinating new Ransel alter-ego.

Peter Kruder (Kruder & Dorfmeister) – “Islands is great! Thank you.”
Flash Atkins (Paper Recordings) – “Pure heat from Kohib. Loving the murky, swampy Islands.”
Trent Banks / Citrus Age (Reflect) – “Wow! What a deep, visceral project. This will take people to other places.”
Sean Johnston (Hardway Bros) – “Both of these tracks are excellent.”
MGiK (Sofa Surfing) – “On air a must!”
Quincy Jointz (Ibiza Global Radio) – “I like ‘Qimmiq’. Also, I can imagin playing ‘Islands’ with it’s heavy percussion in my DJ sets at the right time.”

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

Cohuna Beatz - Dubaliciouz (B.A.B.A. Records)

Vienna-based electronic music producer DJ Anza continues his prolific output as Cohuna Beatz with the new album Dubaliciouz, released on his own B.A.B.A Records imprint. As part of the self-described 'Downtempo-Nu-School movement,' Cohuna Beatz has crafted ten choice tracks of spaced-out organic mid-tempo house and dubby sonic frequencies at ODC (Oberwart Downbeat Center). Included is "SpyWorX," the first single, which dramatically builds over a pulsing 4-on-the-floor beat as layers of electronics and horn riffs portray covert maneuvers. There's also the bass-heavy "Duality (Yin Yang Mix)," filled with addictive chord melodies backed by an addictive, crunchy rhythm. There are also more floor-oriented cuts like the rousing "Pump It Up" as well as the epic trip-hop flavors heard on "Carrys." Those are just a few highlights — as diverse and multi-faceted as Dubaliciouz is, each track is an exceptional addition to a DJ's set. Feel the Beatz!

Redstickman (The Ambient Mafia) – “Another great release from Cohuna Beatz! Can’t wait to play these out.”
Gabriel Ferreira (Items & Things) – “I love this, will definitely play it.”
Sean Johnston (Hardway Bros) – “It’s ‘That Sample’ and ‘Spyworx’ for the win.”
Andrew Emil (5 Magazine) – “Really dig this whole drunken midtempo vibe. Dope.”
Aja Allsop (Ketch A Vibe Radio Show) – “An epic selection. My fave: Jazzadelic.”
Jon Fugler (XLNT radio show) – “Lovely to hear the return of the mid tempo chugger, always a treat. Some great stuff here, hard to choose a favorite.”

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