Welcome to the fifth edition of All Gus No Fuss. This month; Alec Falconer’s 2X series comes to a close with a beautiful record by Tim Schlockermann. Harrison BDP provides some unique meditaton methods, and the most recent release on Butter Session by Sleep D has established itself firmly in my record bag.
With the recent measures limiting venues to a 10 pm curfew as well as the chancellor suggesting artistic individuals should retrain, it appears to be a very challenging and frustrating time for those involved in creative industries, not limited to the music industry. I have seen immense and angry stories flood my newsfeed in fair and justified frustration from the governments failings. The government has let us down and they will continue to do so. What I would say is that in my eyes; every individual who believes in the power, effect and inspiration music is capable of should take it upon themselves to aid the situation. Purchase records they enjoy, attend art galleries which are open, go and see many of the socially distant plays on show and finally; go and support local music venues who desperately need your support.
Tim Schlockermann – 2X Orange – 2X
Alec Falconer’s 2X label has reached its conclusion, a sadly satisfying moment. The small spin off label has been untouchable, all six releases touching every base, scratching every itch and further establishing Falconer’s flawless reputation.
Tim Schlockermann is on closing duty, something the Leipzig local will come to expect as his exponential growth continues past the dystopian nightmare coronavirus has caused clubs.
His past releases have been nothing short of sensational and when hearing that he would be the last entry in this wonderful journey Falconer has curated, I was buzzing.
‘Measuring Trips’ has a light and smooth opening, and throughout feels relaxing but bumpy. This track sounds like it would suit a 90s Nintendo platformer, as well as a club or festival. Although to be brutally honest I cant remember what either of those experiences feel like.
‘Stray’ sounds much more serious, with a deep dive into a more melodic atmosphere. The star of the show here behind the glistening and spooky acid line. This is a wonderful blend of bright and beautiful elements, pit against deep and almost dark sounds.
Schlockermann’s balance of mood and tone is as sensational as his past releases. On this record you have one grumpy but fair side to him, and on the other a joyous and fun side. That blend of silly and serious, what a combination. Alec Falconer has been singing the praises of this young producer and so am I. I think a future full of bubbling tracks, dark clubs and gleaming smiles is destined for Tim Schlockermann.
https://www.juno.co.uk/products/tim-schlockermann-2-xorange/792991-01/
Harrison BDP – Sound Expansion Meditation – Shall not Fade
Harrison Big Dick Player has been exceptionally busy in the last year or so. Considering he has such a silly name, his music is anything but, exceptionally serious and rich in quality.
Harrison has released on Welsh label Haws, Irish label Standalone, and Bristolian Shall not Fade in the last year. His latest EP titled ‘Sound Expansion Meditation’ is his sixth on Shall not Fade. Harrison BDP’s productions are brimming with intricate details and elements, turning minimal house and trance tracks into melodies evoking immense emotion and this record, in my eyes a turning point for him, he has reached the precipice of British underground house music where few are able to compete and compare.
Title and opening track brings together psychedelic sounds alongside minimal moans. As the meditative melody draws to its end, what were once harsh, robotic sounds are replaced by natural nuances.
‘My Deepest Regret’ is packed full of emotion, and echoes many of Harrisons most successful tracks.
The big dick players electro exploits are yet to have reached my ears, ‘Figures In The Smoke’ is an electro influenced, big bass blasting sensation. With a simple opening, but immensely complex middle, flickers of acid before an echoed and religious chime. At its peak it can be hard to keep up with everything that is going on, and that feeling of being overwhelmed I believe Harrison really tried to focus on.
‘Red Love Don’t Fade’ is the slowest and most assured track on the EP. A tech house marvel, bubbling and bright and building throughout.
To conclude Harrison’s best E.P. to date, is his best track to date. ‘Country Boy’ messes around with some trance instrumentals but at a pace much more accessible and airy. The mid point piano stars, accompanied by simply the thud of the kick and confident claps.
Harrison BDP feels like a relatively quiet person, in a world dominated by social media stars and DJ’s famous through style rather than substance. I think Harrison is happy to let his music do the talking, and provide us with some inspiration to expand our mind through mediation.
https://shallnotfade.co.uk/album/sound-expansion-meditation-ep
Sleep D – Freak of Nature – Butter Sessions
Since my love of electronic music began, no country’s electric exports have enticed me as much as Australia. The countries infamously strict lock-down laws seem to be resulting in a constant supply of quality dance music.
The number of labels pushing boundaries and making people dance is frightening, and one of those most exciting at the moment is Butter Sessions.
Corey Kikos and Maryos Syawish run the label and make music under the name Sleep D.
RA mixes are not a mix series that I particularly focus on or listen to, but for some reason I ended up listening to theirs.
I fell in love, it was thumping yet subtle, groovy and yet assertive. An incredible mix, and this mix pointed me towards their latest release, Freak of Nature EP.
Sleep D’s live sets are notorious and this influence is echoed throughout these two tracks. ‘Nature’, the second the two, is inescapably 90s sounding. It wouldn’t go amiss a long and deep dive into Detroit focused house on YouTube, and it has a repetitive and raucous trance vibethroughout.
It is hard to avoid the attention the track ‘Freak of’ brings however. It is a stunner, an instant classic to my ears. It’s opening thud hits you fast and hard, but the synth draws in alongside highs which feel much more open and inviting. A wonderful balance and combination, rampant as the track progresses. It feels like a track created with a wonderful impromptu jam, not meticulous crafted and composed over weeks and weeks. In reality it probably faced both as it came together, and Sleep D I am sure are chuffed with the outcome.
Butter Sessions is an incredible label, one I am sure I will continue to support and write about again in future. But quite simply this record is my favourite of the label thus far, and a frightening showcase of the label heads production abilities.