Scion A/V Presents: Omar-S - High School Graffiti EP

It’s safe to say that this week has been an improvement on most others for followers of Omar-S. On Monday we were treated to his new and free EP High School Graffiti curated in conjunction with the Scion A/V imprint, which was soon to be followed by news of Alexander “Omar” Smith’s forthcoming album It Can Be Done, But Only I Can Do It.

The union of Toyota’s Scion A/V project and Omar-S is especially fitting given the producer’s roots in the Motor City, a trait which has left a longstanding mark on his production work. His back catalogue work is extensive, and in many ways can be seen as a metaphor for the 313 itself. His work is characteristically rough and raw on the edges, constructing rigid and uncompromising rhythms, whilst yet retaining real beauty and soul at its very analogue heart, often evoked through expressive chords and poignant vocals.

High School Graffiti is just as inimitable as his previous work, delivering intricate beats which are drenched in 303 acid line excursions and well as those introspective key melodies that are so damn effective. The highlight perhaps comes from the collaboration with Theo Parrish, Who's In Key, which generates a wonderful keys motif against a backdrop of tough kicks and Omar’s nippy and slight hats. You can download the EP by clicking here; it's quality material.

The legendary Detroit house producer will also be unveiling his follow up to the 2005 album Just Ask The Lonely with It Can Be Done, But Only I Can Do It. It will be release via Smith’s very own FXHE label which is by consensus one of the strongest house labels operating at the minute. You can preview clips of each track and pre-order now over at Phonica.

High School Graffiti EP:
1. Got The Drop On Dem
2. Gunup Runup
3. My Naffew Randy
4. Unitarian
5. Who's In Key feat. Theo Parrish

It Can Be Done, But Only I Can Do It:
1. Solely Supported
2. Supported Solely
3. Look Hear Watch
4. I Come Over
5. Ganymeade
6. You Wish
7. Over You Too
8. It Can Be Done, But Only I Can Do It
9. Nite’s Over Compton
10. Here’s Your Trance, Now Dance
11. Skynet 2 B
12. Bobien Larkin

Jason Fine - Menage At Trois (FXHE)

FXHE continues build upon its impeccable reputation, one which will only be enhanced by the latest offering from Omar-S’ Detroit-based imprint. ‘Ménage At Trois/Jack Yo Bodda’ marks producer Jason Fine’s second outing on the label, and it’s an excursion in which he revisits the distinctive sounds of 90s US house/garage. It’s a sound to which he pays homage and yet updates, producing a 12” perfect for late nights and deep downtempo dancefloors.

The title track sits on the A-side and demonstrates the upbeat half of the release. A skittered pattern initially emerges, with incisive hats and pointed snares laying essential foundations for a seductive female vocal to softly arouse. The introduction of resonant kicks gets things moving nicely, assisted no end by the initiation of charming keys. The track builds nicely, with the booming kicks and on point hats forming a shuffling rhythm, whilst the smooth keys and whispered vocal sample contrast in their sensual sound. The track reaches its pinnacle once the vocal descends and the chord arrangements develop, incorporating further notes into the buoyant melody.

‘Jack Yo Bodda’ is an altogether moodier affair, a perfect fit for FXHE. Deep kicks are separated by light hats, underscoring the diva cries of “jack yo body all night long” over a wonderfully morose chord melody. Those signature jagged skittering hats mark a turning point, signalling the arrival of clashing snares, reserved claps and a grumbling bassline only Omar-S could produce. And don’t worry, that bassline takes full control. Jacking rhythms, soul drenched keys, and diva vocals emerge again, comprised to form a brilliant house record with a helping hand from Omar-S the best.

On the flip of the record you find the words “More Bang For Your Buck!!!”. A Statement couldn’t be more fitting for the quality etched on this 12”. Once again it’s another damn impressive record from the FHXE camp.

Kyle Hall - Down!

Kyle Hall takes it deep down for the latest 12” release on his Wild Oats imprint. The young producer heralding from Detroit has made some of the most affecting house music of the past couple of years, and his sound shows sign of development and maturity over this period. From his remarkable debut on Omar S’s FXHE to soulful control of the “Sun Goddess” EP, his work exudes quality. “Down!” demonstrates no sign of letting up on the quality control, with the infectious A-side constituting one of Hall’s finest productions to date.

“Get Down” builds with a solid 4/4 rhythm kicking away at 126bpm, each hit accompanied by the spacious clash of a snare. A deadly effective chord melody is the main drive behind the track, complemented beautifully by the recurring female cries of “let’s get down”. These elements continually filter in and out, recalling the disco-edits of Moodymann. On the flip, “Xero” is constructed with percussion as its very heart. Hall adopts Latin styled percussion here, composing a rigid hypnotic beat which is drenched in soulful keys characteristic of Detroit house. Hand stamped 12” on a limited pressing. Fine effort from KMFH.

Marcellus Pittman - Nyrobi Knight

Rough and ready Detroit house from none other than Marcellus. His first EP on Omar S' FXHE imprint is one I've been lucky enough to track down on 12" after its original release back in June 2005. Member of The Three Chairs, Marcellus is unquestionably one of the finest house producer’s around, and his impeccable record of astounding releases is testament to such an assertion. I was first introduced to his work with the Unirhythm Green #1 release, a 12” which instantly initiated my adoration for his production. Raw, stripped programmed beats against soulful melodic progressions. His most recent efforts have delivered just as devastating results, with The Eastside Story EP and ‘On A Beautiful/By Your Side’ providing two of 2011’s strongest records. All this is established before giving the slightest mentioning the magnificent Midwest Advocates EP, a 12” which has the small matter of ‘Chicago Nights’ on its A-side.

His first self titled EP for FXHE is no less impressive, and in particular one track really displays the quality Marcellus has to offer. ‘Nyrobi Knight’ may just be my favourite Pittman track, and that is an achievement that really takes some doing. A meticulously programmed beat hammers with padded kicks, complete with persistent hats matching each hit. The track takes off once the rich one note chord works a progressive captivating melody (work that recalls the sounds of Theo Parrish), one which defines the track and leads the way for the introduction of afro-rhythmic percussion in sporadic intervals. It’s a beautifully raw and soulful track, one which displays his innate quality to produce house music that works the soul, body and mind. First class material.

4th Measure Men / Omar S - 'Given(MK Dub) / Sarah' (FXHE001)

FXHE brings the heat once again with cuts from 4th Measure Men and Omar S The Best. FXHE have consistently provided quality control in the form of Detroit house 12"s for a number of years, showing no signs of holding up anytime soon. From label head Omar S to Marcellus Pittman and Kyle Hall, each release offers the best to come from Detroit. The imprints latest release sees an MK Dub of 4th Measure Men's 'Given' from 1993, whilst on the flip Omar S works his magic once again with a track titled 'Sarah'.

The A-side revisits 90s house sounds, building up a real groove in the process. A steady house rhythm is patiently constructed, with snares filling the gaps between the deep kicks. Claps and ever present snares interplay alongside the infectious diva cries of 'Given'. These elements are soon encapsulated in the strong 4x4 rhythm, with a lofty chord melody arising, acting as the track's hook when combined with the soulful vocal sample.

'Sarah' sits on the B-side, and it demonstrates Omar S in full control. A rigid house rhythm is firmly established, with pulsating kicks initiating the precise 808 arrangements which progress fluidly throughout. Trailing synths leave a mark, soon to be displaced by signature keyboard tones that animate the foreground for long periods, evoking a smooth melody that perfectly complements the rough and ready rhythm. Cowbells alarm intermittently, whilst crashing toms and hi-hats work their way in and out of proceedings beneath those wonderful keyboard stabs. Omar S on fine form as per.

Available now on 12". Essential FHXE print.