Cet article Igor B – Dry Leaves [Breathing Room Records] est apparu en premier sur Bolting Bits.

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”.

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.

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

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

Igor

Cet article Blair French – Patio Pastel [NuNorthern Soul] est apparu en premier sur Bolting Bits.

About a year and a half ago we had the pleasure of introducing you to Blair French and his fantastic debut on Rocksteady Disco, Standing Still Is An Illusion, by far one of our favourite records of 2017. We also had the pleasure of premiering Public Park from his follow-up record earlier this year. Although an already accomplished producer, Standing Still was the first time Blair produced under this alias and was also the first time he produced a dance record. What a debut.

[soundcloud url=”https://soundcloud.com/boltingbits/blair-french-standing-still-is-an-illusion-bamboozle-aka-eli-soul-clap-remix” /]
Fast forwarding to today, Standing Still Is An Illusion has gotten the remix treatment, and let us tell you, it is quite the package. Featuring remixes from both Aroop Roy and Topher Horn, another Rocksteady Disco regular, it already sounds like a hit. But, we’ve got another first for you. Eli, from a duo you may have heard of called Soul Clap, is also on the bill. His debut release as Bamboozle just so happens to be a remix of Blair’s debut. When we first heard the news, we thought that there was no way this recipe could be screwed up and boy were we ever right.

Upping the tempo, Bamboozle takes an already percussion-filled track to the next level. In the first half we have the original’s warm chords and vocals paired with complimentary swelling synths and an upbeat, muted cowbell rhythm. The break takes us into a percussive boogie down until the second half of the track where it takes a deeper turn. Tasty pads and the re-worked rubbery bassline carry this one into late night territory. With the stellar ears of Pontchartrain on mixing duties, it gives it that much extra sheen. Just like the original, the Bamboozle remix is a whole journey within a single track. Bolting Bits stamp of approval. Get your copy here as the release is out now!

Igor

Cet article Blair French – Standing Still Is An Illusion (Bamboozle AKA Eli Soul Clap Remix) [Rocksteady Disco] est apparu en premier sur Bolting Bits.

Today marks a special moment in Bolting Bits history for us. We are now lucky enough to premiere a track from our very own – Igor Bezuglov! For those that do not know, Igor is one of the major pieces that keep our music blog running behind the scenes. But being a man of many talents, he has been working on his own productions the past few months to deliver us his first tune under his alias Igor B.

Titled Ponteio (which means “bridge” in Portuguese), this song is the A-side of Igor’s debut record Águas de Setembro that is set to come out on Peter Croce and Moonlighter’s Detroit imprint Rocksteady Disco later this month. Throughout the piece, Igor utilizes the Brazilian original’s rolling bassline, impromptu instrumentation, and bittersweet vocals to capture what everyone’s feeling this time of year. Although many of us understand that cold months lay ahead, we are also eager to keep the good times going no matter what – and it’s this palpable optimism that makes the song the perfect soundtrack as we transition from summer into autumn across the northern hemisphere.

To get yourself a copy of this record, make sure to pre-order it by clicking here.

Cet article Igor B – Ponteio [Rocksteady Disco] est apparu en premier sur Bolting Bits.

After last year’s phenomenal “Standing Still is an Illusion“ release on Rocksteady Disco that brought Blair French (soundcloud) to our attention, he’s continued to impress us. His follow-up release was put out as one half of Cosmic Handshakes with Todd Modes, entitled “In The Mist“, on Going Good Records. A medley of afro, world and experimental influences, the Detroit natives served up some ear candy with serious replay value. Now, he’s back and once again it’s on the Motor City’s budding Rocksteady Disco. Headed by Peter Croce, the label has shined a light on some fantastic talent, the vast majority of which is local. This is impressive, as not too many labels are focusing on homegrown talent these days and, of those that are, very few seem to be as successful.

The EP had a limited advance run of 70 test pressings, each custom spray painted by Blair and Peter which has already sold out. Not to fear though, the official release of Public Park is set to come next week and you should be able to get your hands on a copy directly from the label’s Bandcamp.

Igor

Cet article Blair French – Public Park [Rocksteady Disco] est apparu en premier sur Bolting Bits.

Peter Croce’s Detroit-based boutique record label and party series Rocksteady Disco is gearing up to release their eight project, this time a various artists compilation including remixes of two tracks from Peter Croce and Topher Horn by Detroit stalwarts LADYMONIX and Pontchartrain, and one from the D.C. legend Sol Power All-Stars. The EP has more of what we’ve come to expect from Rocksteady Disco, eclectic yet cohesive tracks inspired by global soundsystem culture and rooted in house and disco. Dropping in early 2018, the “Remixes, Rarities & VIPs Vol.1” collection pulls together an exciting cast of characters from the Motor City and should be on any heads release watchlist as we break into the new year.

Stepping up alongside Detroit producers isn’t an easy task, but if someone was going to do it it’d be D.C.’s Marc Meisnere and Rhome Anderson aka Sol Power All-Stars. Over the years he’s churned out numerous top dollar edits, originals, and remixes, many of which have appeared on his own label, Sol Power Sound. Here, they Topher’s original and stripped it of its overt “balearic-ness,” instead replacing it with a rolling afro-house beat and bouncy bass and synth lines. Organic percussion knocks over deep, steady pads and piano riffs before high pitched funk synths take us through the finish line. We’d put this in the understated burner category, a category for tracks that seem unassuming but light up a packed dance-floor. Alternatively, it’s also perfect for home listening. A simple groover that lifts spirits and is easy on the ears. Keep this one in your bag folks, and watch out for the release because the rest of it packs a punch.

Ryan

Cet article PREMIERE : Topher Horn – Photo For Todd (Sol Power All-Stars Remix) est apparu en premier sur Bolting Bits.

Rocksteady Disco (soundcloud) is a Detroit-based boutique record label and party series that was launched in 2014 by Peter Croce. Their aim is to continue the tradition of house and disco in the Motor City while maintaining an eclectic sound that transcends beyond the two aforementioned genres. Jazzy and afro influences are just as likely to be heard in their catalogue as are deep Detroit-inspired chords, staying true to their roots in a modern way. One thing you are sure to find throughout RSD’s releases and their events are funky bass lines and rhythms made to make you dance.

[soundcloud url=”https://soundcloud.com/boltingbits/blair-french-standing-still-is-an-illusion”/]

RSD006, “Standing Still Is An Illusion” comes from Blair French (soundcloud), a producer and DJ who’s been honing his skills for a number of years under his own name and a number of aliases such as Dial.81, BLKSHRK, Cosmic Handshakes and Nois Land. Keeping his releases mainly on labels from his close-knit Detroit community, he’s back this time with a solo EP for Rocksteady Disco. This three track EP features fantastic grooves and percussion throughout with the B sides ‘Ayiba I Yeri O‘ and ‘Pagode Americano‘ sampling no-nonsense Afro and Brazilian numbers meant straight for the dance floor.

Our premiere, the A1 and title track ‘Standing Still Is An Illusion‘ is a bit of a journey at slightly over 9 minutes long but it’s one that you’re going to want to embark on. Featuring Topher Horn, Paul Randolph and Ryan Gimpert, there’s a load of instrumentation on this one from the early jazzy ride groove and deep bass that serves as an intro, to the rhodes chords, guitars and bongo rhythms found later on. Despite a number of change-ups in the arrangement, it still feels like one coherent piece. Subtle adjustments in percussion and a number of different instruments are introduced at regular intervals, giving the impression that the majority of the track was jammed out first and then fine-tuned and re-arranged. If you’re looking for a tune that’s got a little bit of everything – grooves, melodies, percussion and fantastic instrumentation, then you’ve come to the right place.

Pre-order RSD006 here as it hits shelves in early June.

Igor

Cet article PREMIERE : Blair French – Standing Still Is An Illusion [Rocksteady Disco] est apparu en premier sur Bolting Bits.