London based Axe On Wax Records (check out our interview with label-head Fede Lng) is back with another stellar release on the sublabel, Axe Traxx, which kicked off last year with a banging EP by Australian duo SONDERR, featuring a remix from Mall Grab. The limited-run, hand-stamped white label has put out several releases already, highlighting producers such as Trudge and RVL. Axe Traxx explores the lo-fi side of the Axe On Wax deep house sound (exemplified by the recent DJ Aakmael 12”, « Tales From The Deep Side »), with grainy percussion and darker melodic lines. The fifth release welcomes Tape Hiss (SoundCloud) to the Axe Traxx family with « L.A Tapes Ep. »The Brooklyn-by-way-of-San-Francisco producer has two stellar records out on Love Notes From Brooklyn (with a 2×12” slated for release in the coming weeks), which combine punchy bass lines with airy pads and synth melodies to create ethereal dance tracks. « L.A Tapes Ep » continues in this vein while embracing the grittier Axe Traxx sound with three emotive house burners, and a remix from Russian producer, Low Tape (SoundCloud).
[soundcloud url=”https://soundcloud.com/boltingbits/tape-hiss-just-kids-low-tape-remix” /]
‘Mercury’ opens the EP with an arpeggiated synth line that builds in complexity above a thumping kick and twangy bass. A2, ‘Music And The Spirit,’ begins with a beautiful ambient introduction that is gradually juxtaposed with dense, rhythmic percussion (especially those crunchy claps) and an acid bass line. The B-side features two versions of ‘Just Kids:’ the original, and a remix by Low Tape, which is our premiere today.
‘Just Kids’ is arguably Tape Hiss’ heaviest track on the record; the opening 2 minutes veer towards a darker, almost techno sound, which slowly blossoms into a driving house track with the addition of melodic synths. Low Tape ups the tempo on his remix, and adds percussion below the reverbed pads. The bass line takes centre stage, accompanied by fluttering, delayed claps and snare hits. Both tracks leave the listener with the echoing whisper, “I love you.”
« L.A Tapes Ep » is available for pre-order on Bandcamp.
JJ Nozell
