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

Theo Parrish - 'Musical Metaphors' EP

Theo's first Signature Sound release has been thankfully been re-pressed, and copies won't be around much longer. The first in a line of faultless releases on one of Detroit's most influential labels, Parrish's 'Musical Metaphors' EP really is a wonderful 12". Slow moody house rhythms that will warp, leaving you to carelessly nod your head for the duration of the patient builders.

Although an EP comprising of three tracks, it's all about that A-side. 'Carpet People Don't Drink Steak Soda' is Theo at his best, bringing things downtempo with a raw rhythm and melodies that quite simply take you to another world. The track slowly builds over the lengthy 3/4 minute opening, with a looped vocal sample filtering through a retro disco groove, with characteristically rugged percussion sitting beneath the surface. Heavy kicks continually hammer away, forcing movement. But it's when the track reaches its watershed, with deep drones of chords slowly gaining a dominance of proceedings over the disco sounds. In full fruition piano synth chord melody is beautiful, the defining element of 'Carpet People'. Deep kicks and uplifting melodies, it's dance music to work the mind, body, and soul.

'Shadow Dancing' and 'JBs Edit (Wait A Minute)' are make up an excellentely B-side, particularly the wonderful former, but nothing can quite match the indelible 12 minute opener. Theo's best alongside 'Dance Sing' and 'Moonlight' for me, although his back catalogue is so extensive you could sit here for days discussing a list of Parrish's finest. 'Carpet People Don't Drink Steak Soda' is reason alone to purchase this 12". House music with real soul.