Fiendsh - Hayashi Reborn (Cold Busted)

Fiendsh returns to Cold Busted with Hayashi Reborn, the Bangkok-based producer’s long-awaited follow-up to 2016’s To The End. The title refers to the Hayashi, a group of instrumentalists in Japanese Noh theater. Noh often revolves around themes of life, so with this album the Fiendsh alter-ego takes on the role of the Hayashi of the young beat-producer’s life. The album’s sounds are introspective and rich, combining deep rhythms and warm melodies. Sometimes a hint of Fiendsh’s Thai culture drops in, but mostly the influences are straight from the well of hip-hop, soul, and jazz classics.

Hayashi Reborn opens confidently with “Astronaut,” jazz sound blasts giving way to compressed beats and evocative strings. Midway the song transforms to a dream state as things start to flow in reverse. Other highlights include the subdued trip-hop of “Eye Pt. 1,” the shimmering piano boom-bap of “Jun Satori (feat. Puddie),” and “No Limitations” with its pulsing feel and ambient audience sounds. “Champagne Promises” and “Lucid S Dreamin” display a mellower side to Fiendsh, making Hayashi Reborn a well-rounded listen. This album’s a choice set for audio explorers everywhere.

Crate Invader (Point Blank FM London) – “Sometimes uplifting, sometimes emotive, always sublime - just some brilliant programming right here.”
Kid Loco (Flor) – “Fancy the beats, don’t I? I’m dancing.”
Michael Moebus (Meem) – “A nice, atmospheric release.”
Snooba (Radio Panik) – “Nice atmospheric & jazztastic trip hop experience.”
Andrew Emil (5Magazine) – “A really lovely LP.”
Aja Allsop (Ketch A Vibe Radio Show) – “A mega selection of tunes to warm your soul and ears.”

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

Ursula 1000 - System Of Touch feat. Most Golden (Insect Queen Music)

The fifth and final release of Ursula 1000's acclaimed Single Of The Month Club series brings a jam-packed punch of synthwave and nu-disco slow motion goodness called "System Of Touch." The tune features the dreamy vocal stylings of Canada via Ghana via New York David Adusei AKA Most Golden.

David brings a nice future R&B Neo-Soul touch to the table as Ursula works his '80s neon-synth landscape for this retro/futuro vision. As a bonus, there are some fantastic remixes accompanying the original cut. The Supermen Lovers (AKA Parisian composer and producer Guillaume Atlan, creator of the hit single "Starlight" and of the current smasher "Summer Love") come with a double dose of new versions, filled with sinister arpeggios and dubbed out techy disco house splashed with that very tasty 'French Touch.' And then San Francisco's The Beat Broker, owner of the awesome Dream Chimney label, wraps up the package with a blissed-out daytime disco tweak providing Balearic visions of sunrises and tropical tastings. Superb!

Steve (Fort Knox Five) – “Dreamy, retro and futuristic all at the same time as only Ursula 1000 can do.”
Psycho-Jones (Kater Blau) – “Wow! Each version is a killer.”
Bill Speakman (Rhythm & Culture) – “I love the single mix, but this Beat Broker Remix is particularly up my alley. Incredible vibe.”
MGiK (Sofa Surfing) – “On air is a must for this!”
Bruno From Ibiza (Ibiza Global Radio) – “I am liking both of The Supermen Lovers remixes.”
Spaceotter (Camp Conception) – “Extended mix is giving me mid-80s Scritti Politti/System vibes. And that is a VERY good thing.”

Available Now From: Bandcamp, Juno Download, Apple Music, And Spotify.

Fenomenon - Tropic Of Capricorn (Third Attempt Remix) [Beatservice Records]

Fenomenon made a welcome return to release action in 2021 following an extended hiatus, treating admirers of their work to four delectable cuts of immaculately constructed and powerfully moving music. The most up-tempo of a roundly horizontal crop was the EP's "Tropic Of Capricorn." The track's spellbinding melodies, vibrant rhythms, and pristine production made an instant impression on Balearic-minded collectors. With such a seductive set of ingredients, the track was an obvious candidate for rework treatment.

Third Attempt's rise into the cosmic subconscious has been as swift as it is richly deserved, with the young artist consistently serving a steady stream of beautifully-formed sounds since first arriving on Beatservice in 2018. True to the form he's displayed throughout his outstanding release inventory, Third Attempt's delicate remix of "Tropic Of Capricorn" is the latest in a long line of sparkling compositions. Making use of the memorable melodic signature of the original, Third Attempt pulls the track's dreamy refrains sharply into focus, re-framing the emotive top-line over snappy beats and sub-heavy bass for a stirring club workout. The music effortlessly unfolds, building to a blissfully introspective breakdown before bursting back into floor-filling life, with delicate textures subtly supporting the track's iconic synth lead.

Providing a gentle yet startling rendition of this gorgeous track, Third Attempt breathes renewed vitality into an already magnificent composition - and the results are unmissable.

Flash Atkins (Paper Recordings) – “I really like this. It reminds me of something I can’t quite put my finger on. A perfect track for my non-existent residency in Ibiza.”
Pillow Talk (PillowTalk Music) – “A really cool closing track.”
Redstickman (The Ambient Mafia) – “Super dreamy. I’m throwing this into a poolside set for sure.”
DJ Firefly (Couch Dancing) – “Magical.”
Sandro Bianchi (Ibiza Sonica) – “100% in love! Brilliant.”
Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Show) – “Achingly beautiful track. I love it.”

Available Now From: Bandcamp, Juno Download, Apple Music, And Spotify.

The Stoned - Lost In Sound (Harmonious Discord)

Contrary to popular belief, the climate is not the only thing generating heat in South Texas. A rise of humble, promising artists is budding up throughout the state. The Stoned is a father-son duo who leverage collectively both years of experience along with an ear to the newest trends. Somewhere between traditional house music and cosmic territories lies the Lost in Sound project. Providing support for these delicious selections is tech-house hero Joshua Collins and Austin, Texas, resident and dirty disco don Ajay Kapoor. Slide into this EP with a plethora of grooves and tension.

The title track “Lost in Sound” provides punchy drum constructions alongside spacey leads and tense layers. The song progresses with vocal elements reminiscent of early David Byrne records. “Get Away” compliments equally in the equation. Strong drum mixtures alongside melodic leads float blissfully alongside each other. Tech titan Joshua Collins (Afterhours, King Street) carries the torch with a rich, pulsating modern techno interpretation. Shifting melodic sequences alongside driving percussion temper into a satisfying solution. Alternatively, Ajay Kapoor strips away the layers into their most true and raw forms incorporating live bass and classic disco drum construction. This hauntingly beautiful redux elevates gradually with the introduction of anxious arpeggios. Closing our journey is “Feel,” a melodic reprise with late-night layers. Deep-minded pad automation synced with a persistent groove presents a perfect mixture of jazz and urban influences.

Tyler Stadius (Deepen) – “All of the tracks are really good. I love getting new tunes from The Stoned.”
Jaymz Nylon (Nylon Recordings) – “Lost In Sound is a gorgeous piece of music.”
Duserock (Various Labels) – “The originals are where it’s at!”
Anthony Pappa (Bedrock) – “The Josh Collins Remix is really cool.”
FineCutBodies (MR2 Hungarian National Radio) – “I love the Ajay Kapoor Remix on here.”
Nutritious (SpinSpinNYC) – “Diggin’ it. Supporting the Ajay Kapoor Remix on my Play/Pause show for Magnetic Magazine.”

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