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.

Andre Stepanian - Left It All (Friskybeat Records)

Friskybeat Records presents "Left It All," the latest single from jazz/flamenco guitarist and producer Andre Stepanian. Based in Vancouver, Stepanian has delivered a tropical dance groove that incorporates an acoustic nylon guitar for its main melody. Subtle vocal ad-libs introduce the track which are joined by swirling strings and guitar melodies. The Latin-house rhythm, funk-fueled bassline, and staccato electric piano chords shape the song's feel-good vibes.

Cool, driving percussion over more prominent kick and bass tracks flavor Luis Machuca's extended mix. The strings and pianos are jazzed-up a bit, giving the mix some added depth. In addition, the mix features a sultry female vocal playing call-and-response with the guitar melodies for some sleek deep house smoothness.

Casomado is on hand for a club-ready dub mix, stripped down with nuanced differences in the groove. A new bassline binds the percussion and pads to the bottom end while a groovy synth hook creates a haunting effect, wavering in and out of the tune. Affected vocals add texture while nodding to the original version's themes and motifs. Each track on "Left It All" is a dancefloor pleasure.

Rise Ashen (Balanced Records) – “Nice sounds, love the vocals and the groove. The dub is dope too. Full support here in Ottawa!”
DJ Firefly (Couch Dancing) – “Love the fresh, breezy vibe!”
Vanilla Ace (Toolroom) – “Luis Machuca’s Extended Vocal Mix is dope.”
Alvaro Hylander (DeepWit Recordings) – “Casomado’s Dub does it for me. Great groove and mood.”
Michael Fossati (Spirit Of House Web Zine) – “Beautiful sun drenched vibes.”
Miguel Garji (Deepfusion Radio Show) – “Fantastico! Full support on Balearica Radio.”

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

Onium - Recombinant (Harmonious Discord)

The new year calls for the return of the deep-minded dub master Onium to the Harmonious Discord label. A core part of the label sound engine, Onium has showcased an impressive evolution, adding depth and precision with every project. The Recombinant EP represents peak levels of the mastery for this artist and the label's brought in Puresine, Space Scavengers, and Floating Machine in support of this very special frosty project.

Never one to start with flair, Onium guides us gently into a sonically rich tapestry called “Dubsect”. Rumbling bass trios and perfectly controlled synth accents sit in even space in this expertly timed introduction. Puresine enters next to navigate "Dubsect" into dancefloor territory, upping the pace and introducing edgier elements. The introduction of frosted chord stabs and devilish bass responses targets this remix for late night territories as it moves ever-forward with intensity. The next original is a collaboration between Onium and Greek duo Space Scavengers. Stepping back from the intensity in the previous Puresine remix, “Shimmer and Shine” is a beautifully tempered slow burn. Complete with dancing pad interplays and screaming background textures, this selection gives the shimmer of a profound elevated experience. On remix duties for “Shimmer and Shine” is the multi-talented KiloWatts. Instead of reduxing and remixing the original, KiloWatts breaks down each shade and builds it all back up in this sexy space opera that sits somewhere between breaks and techno. "Point of Balance" pairs Onium with Puresine in a characteristic amalgam of their respective sounds. Brighter than your average Onium piece but still tempering and controlling all aspects methodically. Floating Machine plunges right into the depths with his often aquatic, silky textures — a revision of the original that crosses purposes between techno relevance and deep house philosophy.

Tony H (Dirtybird) – “These remixes are dope!”
Tyler Stadius (Deepsite) – “Really good, spacey tracks.”
Tolis Q (Quantized Music) – “Really nice release here. Loving the deep vibes.”
Taigo Onez (Bang Le’ Dex) – “This is wonderful, what a great release. Full support.”
Dave Noonan (Circulation Radio Show) – “Some good dubby soundscapes.”
Jon Fugler (XLNT radio show) – “Solid production throughout. The KiloWatts remix is the one for me, with the exceptional outro.”

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

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.