Jorge Caiado
Freak Not Freak

After 6 years, label boss Ewan Jansen circles back to Red Ember’s main with a new EP.A concept journey equally for the mind and the dancefloor that strays from his house roots with themes of mysticism pushing wider rhythm palettes and creative synthesis.The opener ‘Solanoid’ marches over the horizon; a solid progression of sun-scorched chords, goaded by some distinctive chanting synths and driving bass.‘Caravania’ answers as a stomping IDM-esque fable, joined by bubbling rhythms on the ground and a central writhing serpentine synth guided from high above by voices unknown. The flip side quickly de-camps from the physical, with the organic ‘Mistik’ seeing elements of rave and tribal electronica driven by tuned kicks, sub-bass and resonant rhythms.Lastly, a stoic tome of stone and water is left with ‘Gecko’ – a skittish chunky groove, with isolated melancholic tones that find harmony in the end.

Introducing Tread Records, a fresh new imprint from London.Taking the reins for the debut release is the unique Guava, whose previous releases on labels such as R&S and Holding Hands, has made him one of the big names to watch in the leftfield electronic world. Collaborating on the release are two of London’s finest session guitarists, Alex Blake and Leo Abrahams. Their impressive CVs include work with artists such as Jon Hopkins and Skepta, respectively.Things open up with ‘In Cloud’, a blissed-out slab of broken techno, spaced out with guitar riffs played by Blake. Both ‘Libelle’ and ‘Equinox Meaning’ continue on this theme with a cut of bass weight with more silky guitar, performed by Abrahams, on the latter. Dublin-based Sputnik One is on remix duties, turning ‘Libelle’ into a beefed-up club weapon fit for any sound system.

Kommuna is back with the “Silent Uproar” EP featuring James Andrew with a special feel-good track that sets a positive dancefloor vibe through dreamy breaky rhythms. Driahn’s “Recreate” provides elegant breaks for what can be the perfect track for the obscure late hours.The B-Side of the record is an energy blast with Driahn’s “Phazed & Confused” infectious groove bringing damage to the dancefloor and Pekkuliar’s ghetto-tech inspired track closing this versatile EP in an unexpected way.Track by track, we build a Kommuna of well-established artists but also unknown studio dwellers who share a fixation for music discovery without following any trends or limitations.

Salty winds whip the surface of the shallow reef and carry voices on the breeze that whisper of DJ Life’s return to Craigie Knowes. Southern Seas is a deep dive of everything that makes DJ Life’s music special - advanced production techniques for all those that want to dip the dancefloor under turbulent waves. Music for the clubs, music for your mind.