Bells Creek Road – Jad & The

Today I’ve got some dreamy, floaty numbers coming at you from everyone’s favourite Australian-born, Berlin-based electronic music producer, Jad & The.

It’s a more circumspect, instrument-heavy release than what you would normally expect. And probably because of that, it’s fucking beautiful. His production skills come to the fore as spiralling trumpets and flowing pianos abound. Reminiscent of Rhythm Section or Laurence Guy, which ain’t no bad thing.

Tough to pick a favourite, but Matano Trumpet Jam and Bells Creek Road just about stand out from the crowd. Enjoy.

Fun fact: he used to be called Jad & The Ladyboy: went through a rebrand a dropped the last bit. Probably wise.

By Your Side – Will Saul

Something a whole lot deeper coming at you today. It’s a dark rumbling beast of a track from Will Saul. This UK scene stalwart has music in his blood – he was born in Glastonbury and is the founder of Simple Records and Aus Music (who released this beauty).

Turn it up 90 seconds in and feel it come at you wave after wave.

Do You Love Her Now / He – Jai Paul

Jai Paul! He’s back! He’s released a couple of characteristically airy, cool electronic numbers on XL Recordings. And to accompany them, a weird interactive website that he’s designed himself: www.jai-paul.com I’d say he’s a better music producer than wesbite designer, but that’s just me.

Bonus tracks: because, obviously.

Signs – James Shinra

Ever wondered what it would sound like if Roger Federer played against Novak Djokovic in the 2019 Wimbledon tennis final, except instead of Wimbledon it was outer space and instead of tennis it was synths? Then look no further. Masters of the interstellar game.

As always, shout out to Ben Gomori for the tip.

Johannesburg – Africa Express

Right so one of my mates is moving to Johannesburg. Which got me to thinking, what’s my favourite song called Johannesburg? Well it’s this one. What’s yours? It’s actually the only song I know called Johannesburg.

Masekela – Tom Demac

Two of my favourite things combining on this one. Tom Demac and Hugh Masekela. In Tom’s own words, it is a “sun burner gurner” and who am I to argue? It lifts the vocals from Don’t Go Lose It Baby and shunts them alongside one of those foot-stomping basslines. Top marks.

Sizzling – Daphni

What was the song of last Summer? Maybe DJ Koze? Maybe Whole Again by Atomic Kitten, experiencing a Gareth Southgate-related resurgence?

Either way, I think Dan Snaith (Daphni/Caribou) is taking the title for 2019. Sizzling is an upbeat disco house banger and you will hear it a lot. I say bring it on.

so. candy – so. mind

A lo-fi house EP coming at you by a pretty obscure German artist called so. mind. It all reminds me quite a lot of James Welsh – which is no bad thing.

Three tracks: Candy Groove eases you in; Callin For Ya gives you the jump-up piano riff you didn’t know you needed; and Preaching Life drops a touch of acid into the equation. Tasty.

Bonus track: a sweet, funkier groove (also happens to be the only other track on Spotify…)

If you’re keen on brass-laden house like this, and you’re on the hunt for a playlist to soundtrack your Summer, look no further.

Gender (Axel Boman Remix) – Skinnerbox

This is a sprawling monster of a track. Spanning 11 minutes with no obvious drops, it shudders and crashes and drifts in a magical safari.

Axel is playing alongside Henrik Schwarz at Village Underground this weekend. Hype.

Jane’s World (DJ Boring Remix) – Perdu

I know a chunky house hit when I hear one. It’s DJ Boring remixing Jane’s World by Dutch producer Perdu. The press release describes it as an “electrifying dancefloor weapon” and I don’t think I can argue. It has more than a touch of the Bicep about it, which is never a bad thing. Enjoy.

You can listen to the full EP here