nunorthern soul Archives ~ Bolting Bits

Igor B – Dry Leaves [Breathing Room Records]

Florent — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 13:04:40 +0000

Finally making an appearance on his own label, Igor B is setting the mood for the transition from autumn to winter. The “Raindrops EP” on Breathing Room Records sees the Canadian artist following up on his debut LP, “Stranded Seaside”, released earlier this summer on Ibiza’s NuNorthern Soul. Shedding the lower BPMs and sunny air of the album, this time he opts for more dancefloor-friendly compositions with some darker atmospheres cropping up as the release progresses from song one to four— just as the weather does the same outside.

The title track features his friend and talented collaborator, Ian Usher. Together, the duo create a groove-laden piece that ebbs and flows just as an early fall day would transition from sun to rain and back again. From the swelling guitars in the break to the deep bass and the solo at the piece’s climax, Ian’s talents are on full display and merge beautifully with Igor’s production efforts.

Second up is “Dry Leaves”, an upbeat solo composition that blends dusty percussion (Igor’s trademark element) with some arpeggiated synth work and deep, lush pads, while falling keys in the latter half mimic leaves descending from their canopies. Igor and Ian combine for another track on the release, “Whirlwinds”, an amalgam that brings together influences from all over the musical spectrum, with instruments such as the ney, oud and bongos weaving together like the swirling updrafts of a late fall storm. The EP closer, “Poseidon’s Calling”, is the moodiest of the bunch. Haunting melodies and swelling pads combine to create a bittersweet atmosphere which reminds you that the dark days of winter are not so far ahead.

Bass and guitars on Raindrops performed by Ian Usher.
Bass guitar on Whirlwinds performed by Ian Usher.

https://youtu.be/423wkgGpwsA

Pre-order.

text has been provided by the label.

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Igor B – Deep Breath [NuNorthern Soul]

igor bezuglov — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 12:30:52 +0000

While the ongoing global pandemic means our chances to gather and dance beneath deep blue skies are likely to be limited, there’s never been a greater need for warm, positive and life-affirming music. NuNorthern Soul has decided to do its bit by offering up a brand new “Summer Selections” sampler that’s packed to the rafters with magical musical treats lifted from some of the label’s most potent forthcoming releases. Including tracks from Igor B, George Koutalieris, Chris Coco remixing Yggdrasil, Mike Salta and Mortale, label boss Phat Phil Cooper remixing Faint Waves and NuNorthern Soul regular BJ Smith, there’s a balearic gem inside for even the pickiest of listeners.

The EP begins with something rather special from Canadian producer Igor B: a gentle, sunrise-ready soundscape rich in languid hand percussion, bubbly synthesizer lines and glistening guitars. Entitled “Deep Breath”, the track is just one of the many highlights you’ll find on his forthcoming debut album, “Stranded Seaside”.

Bolting Bits · PREMIERE: Igor B – Deep Breath

With its’ latest full-length release, NuNorthern Soul continues to champion soothing, seductive and sun-kissed sounds from producers on the up. “Stranded Seaside” is the most expansive release yet from label debutant Igor B, with its eight becalmed, colourful and fluid cuts offering a particularly languid and alluring take on nu-Balearica rich in enveloping ambient chords and global percussion sounds.

The Canadian producer is still in the formative stages of his career but has already delivered a handful of must-check releases. After debuting on Rocksteady Disco in 2018 with two dusty cuts shot through with clear Brazilian influences, Igor has appeared on hyped London label Church and established his own imprint, Breathing Room Records.

“Stranded Seaside” offers a wider exploration of the Canadian’s influences and inspirations than previous excursions, sashaying between warm and heady downtempo cuts – see the ambient bliss of “Southern Dawn”, “Secret Garden” and “Deep Breath”, as well as the new age-inspired percussion-based workout “Into The Wild” – and inspired moments of humid dancefloor warmth.

Even within this broad category Igor B displays much versatility. Compare and contrast the steel pan-led tropical grooves of “Tangerines” and the bassline-driven headiness of the track that follows, “King Island”, where thumping, restless drumbeats and acid-style low-end are peppered with woozy chords and impeccable, eyes-closed melodies. Or for that matter that breezy, percussion-heavy cheeriness of “Pelican’s Coif” and “Stranded Seaside”, an undeniably loved up, atmospheric and melodious affair whose kaleidoscopic, club-ready dreaminess recalls the halcyon days of the Italian ambient house movement.

Considered as a whole, Igor B’s first album-length excursion is not only impressively evocative and emotive, but also representative of his developing trademark sound. Expect big things in the months and years ahead.

Pre-order the summer sampler here.

Pre-order the digital album here.

https://youtu.be/I6VA4cY0T1k

Cet article Igor B – Deep Breath [NuNorthern Soul] est apparu en premier sur Bolting Bits.

Blair French – Patio Pastel [NuNorthern Soul]

igor bezuglov — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 14:30:48 +0000

One of Detroit’s finest producers is possibly one who also flies furthest under the radar. Blair French has been quietly releasing stellar music under his real name while also having his fingers in a number of other projects, most notably Cosmic Handshakes and Nois Land. His musical output ranges from purely cinematic works, to sun-kissed melodies to afro-house stompers and it’s this versatility that helps keep his releases 100% fresh. His latest is a solo EP coming out on Phat Phil Cooper’s NuNorthern Soul, which shortly follows a split record store day 7″ with Pontchartrain on Rocksteady Disco (hot tip!!). The “Patio Pastels EP” sees Blair don his balearic hat for six intoxicating tracks.

[soundcloud url=”https://soundcloud.com/boltingbits/premiere-blair-french-patio-pastel” /] Our premiere today is the title track. Let Blair French whisk you away to the tropics as you can almost feel the warm ocean breeze emanating off of the composition. The steady hand percussion and understated bassline create a repetitive and trance-like atmosphere that allows you to close your eyes, while the acoustic guitar (played by Michael Jurczak) and Blair’s melodies let your mind drift and wander in the sun and sand. Patio Pastel is constantly evolving, something we’ve noticed Blair do in the past on compositions such as Standing Still Is An Illusion, where the song turns into a journey in and of itself. Sunglasses on and mojitos in hand, sit back on your patio and relax as this is the perfect spring to summer transition album.

Be sure to pre-order your copy directly from the label’s Bandcamp!

Igor

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