d3 recordings

VA – The Jazz Avengers [VP010]

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When you hear what Bryan Hervieu, the mastermind behind Vibes And Pepper Records, has assembled on the Jazz Avengers EP, you’ll surely be impressed. Igaxx and DJ Dreamboy start with sophisticated and elegant house tracks. Jarren continues with ethereal synth lines and analog drum sounds that evoke a late-night atmosphere. Hanna delivers one of his best tracks to date, “Prayin’”, which is both breezy and driving, with a touch of unique melancholy. Finally, Brazilian producer Zopelar concludes the EP with raw drums and deep chords, rounding off an irresistible collection.

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VA – The Jazz Avengers [VP010]

Brian Harden – Chicago To Detroit (Remixes Part 1) [D3E002X]

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This EP features 3 remixes, one By Brian himself and the others by Detroit’s Patrice Scott and Atlanta’s Byron The Aquarius. First up is man of the moment, Byron The Aquarius with his ethereal take on the original. With it’s cosmic sounds weaving in and out, Byron manages to infuse his soulful sound on the track to take it to a otherworldly territory. Brian is up next with his “Chicago Sur Seine Mix”, introducing a steel drum and some beautiful pads that are reminiscent of 808 State’s, Pacific 202. While still keeping with the original’s pace, this remix has more of a down tempo feel, and would fit perfectly in those late night/early morning sets. Finally Patrice Scott delivers a more beat driven Detroit take on the original, with an emphasis on the hi hats and clap that really gives the track that driven feel. While still paying respect to the original, half way through Patrice takes it to another level with his atmospheric keys that round off a great remix EP.

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Brian Harden – Chicago To Detroit (Remixes Part 1) [D3E002X]

Hinode – Interstate Highway EP [D3006]

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HINODE - Interstate Highway EP

D3 Elements continues its carefully curated run with a new EP from Berlin based Italians, Hinode. Featuring four cuts of tough deep house. Opener ‘State to State’ is a raw, punchy house track with jazzy chords injecting some real soul into the physical beats. Rasping synths and rainy melodies have a hint of the old school about them and ensure that dance floors will be in raptures. ‘Endless World’ is more spacious, with a drunken acid sounding bassline roaming beneath a nicely mechanical groove. It’s one to make you stomp, and so is b-side opener ‘Shades of Grey’ with its bombastic, kicking drums, twinkling melodies and lazy chords. Despite being a sweat inducing house banger, plenty of warmth and musicality remains. Lastly, ‘Memory Alpha’ hurries along with muddled voices, icy hi hats and a flurry of rubbery kicks and squelchy acid stabs. It’s beautifully authentic house music that takes subtle cues from the best of Chicago and Detroit.

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Hinode – Interstate Highway EP [D3006]

Norm Talley – The Westside Project [VP003]

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Number three on the french label Vibes & Pepper comes from Norm Talley and is called the The Westside Project. Lead track “Do What You Like” deftly weaves in some expert Voodoo Ray sampleage amidst a permanently punchy groove whilst “Greenfield Groove” has Talley in looser rhythmic mood, with busy percussion driving through a thick swamp of vocal pressure and ever twisting piano riffs.  B Side hugger “Grove Street Shuffle” was originally featured on the producer’s 1997 release for City Boy.

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Norm Talley – The Westside Project [VP003]