Monday 9 January 2012

L-Vis 1990 and Pets

So we're still making things happen in this new year of 2012. First order of the day, the first Essential Mix of the year is upon now. Radio 1 seems to be keeping the "underground" theme that they established in 2011. This past week's selection came courtesy of Night Slugs boss L-Vis 1990. I was a little apprehensive at first, as he has proven himself to be an inconsistent producer, but after a glance at the tracklist this seems to be a real strong start to the year. There is plenty of older, classic cuts, but there are a few unreleased and upcoming Night Slugs tracks as well. Link and tracklist come via Discobelle.

L-Vis 1990 Essential Mix

Now, a little rant for you, then some goodies, some stuff, some brass tacks. But first, while I am on the subject of Essential Mixes, I would like to acknowledge BBC and Radio 1 for the absolute top-shelf selection of DJs throughout the course of the year. I don't know if there was a conscious paradigm shift to go the route of RA as oppose to DJ Mag, or if there has just been a genuine global maturation when it comes to dance music... I am probably going to go with the former.

Case in point, when it came time to crown an EM of the year, Radio 1 listeners were presented with a shortlist of choices that included Maya Jane Coles, Julio Bashmore, SBTRKT, Jamie XX, Eats Everything and my personal favorite, Seth Troxler. Which did the listeners choose when presented with these options... Above & Beyond. Now, I guess I can't really say anything since I haven't personally listened to the Above & Beyond mix, but I think it proves that the recent curation decisions made by Radio 1 are being met with some turbulence amongst their "traditional" audience. Anyway, I only hope that this new direction is maintained and we see more EMs from more forward thinkers.

Alright, now for the goodness that I promised. Pets Records have wasted no time in the new year and released three new tracks from Pol_On. Pol_On are a Polish duo and friends of label bosses Catz N' Dogz. The Transsistor EP finds itself right in line with the American House-via-Europe/ UK-trend that picked up so much steam last year.

The title track is a slow and bassy number that cuts with a slight tinge of acid. It starts off simply, but eventually builds until it reaches a maximalist climax. "Miss You" punches just as hard with rave stabs and a sexy vocal loop. The real treat on here though is "Sorrow". With it's synth-drenched melody, pitched vocals, and Maceo Plex-approved-sleaze, it is set to be a huge anthem in the first quarter of the year.

Pol_On Transsistor EP (Pets)

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