The 'Functions EP' is now the second time we've broken bread with the dons over at In:Flux Audio. A few months back we hosted Arkwrights seriously beefy remix of Imajika's 'Spare Change' over on our YouTube channel for the 'Cap'n Morgan EP'. We now have another EP in front of us, this time from label head honchos Tik&Borrow!
I'm always a big fan of the EP format. It affords a more in-depth insight into the releasing artist and gives a great sense of the musical direction they are taking and the influences they draw on. The split between original artist and remixes on the 'Functions EP' mirrors the format In:Flux has been fine-tuning across their discography. It works great for the DJ: You buy one release and get a variety of styles. It works great for the music geek: You buy one release and get to delve into the nuances between production styles.
It's also great for your humble author. I don't need to think too hard about how to format this review. I'll go for the classic 'deal with the original tunes first and then the remixes after that' format. Lovely stuff.
'Arcsine', 'Listen' and 'Tangarine' in their original forms are stylistically similar and definitely draw from the same influences. I hear Skream, Benga, Hatcha and a sprinkling of Icicle and Proxima in all three. Very heavy peak time dance floor demolishers. Warm-up DJs need not apply. There's something for everyone in each of the tracks. The prominence of the snare in all three, interspersed with some lovely breaks, sorts out the lazy head boppers — conspicuous midrange sorts out the energetic ravers. The juicy low end sorts out that one person who always goes a key too far and sticks his head in the bass bins. If you're looking for three tracks that are going to cause some mayhem inna dance, look no further.
The first remix comes from Bradford's RUFUS!, taking on 'Arcsine'. The fundamentals of the track remain in place, but RUFUS! adds that dungeon flavour by stripping it down and building it back up again. I always say there isn't enough dungeon going around these days, so I was very excited to hear this one. Minimal Monday heads take note.
Closing out the EP is dubstep's number one party starter, the illustrious Cartridge. Carty turns 'Tangarine' into a tarty roller, taking out that distinctive step and glueing it back together into something slightly smoother but still as substantial. Close your eyes and let this one flow right through you.
The 'Functions EP' releases as a Beatport exclusive on the 30th of September, make sure to grab this one!
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