Format : Vinyl 12” (180 gr., Limited Full Cover)

Track list :

A1 Kassian Ft. Laroye - Apollo
A2 Kassian - 8th movement
B1 Kassian Ft. Laroye - Apollo (Leo Pol Remix)
B2 Kassian - Brass hammer

Release Info:

Kassian are back on Heist with a follow up to their debut release ‘The Premise’ from 2018. Their new ‘8th Movement’ EP showcases their knack for a tight dance floor groove and is another great example of their well-groomed electronic funk. The EP features 3 originals and a Leo Pol remix.
The Kassian boys have worked like maniacs to build their profile since their debut in 2018. Their debut title track ‘The Premise’ was nominated track of the year by Gilles Peterson, and their track ‘Bad Habit’ has been a staple in DJ sets from us and many others. Meanwhile, they’ve had releases on ‘Phonica White’, ‘Groovence’ and started their own label ‘Kassian Versions’ with some heavy edits. They also started a radio show on ‘Balamii’, instantly becoming one of the station’s favorite shows and they’ve worked on charity compilations for Covid19 and the United Nations Women’s charity, while still finding the time to deliver a seriously cool new record on Heist.
Apollo is built around a bumpin’ disco bassline, hazy stabs, vocal chops and a deceptively simple but oh- so-catchy lead loop. The track also features some nifty keys and percussion by Thomas Arroyo, who produces afro-inspired house under the name Laroye and has really succeeded in giving the track an added layer of warmth and expression. This track has everything you need for a solid party anthem: A solid beat, a catchy bassline and just the right amount of chops, fills and vocals.
The title track takes a deeper turn, with some lovely Motor City inspired chords, rolling drums and their soon-to-be signature surprise move of a driving acid line. A hit of a ‘dubby’ piano and a vocal chant both move in and out and of the forefront, adding some really nice layers to the heads down vibe of the track.
On the flip, we’ve got Parisian groove ambassador Leo Pol throwing out one hell of a track with his remix of Apollo. His version has an ecstatic and lively feel, with vibey leads coming in and out of play and cheerful synth hits adding to the energy. Where the original goes for a neatly organized groove, Leo’s version feels a bit like the anarchist little brother, adding whatever he feels like and somehow getting the elements to work together like a charm.
The EP closes off with Brass Hammer, another fine example of how you can work a tight groove with a simple bassline and percussion loop. The main appeal of Kassian’s music is found in the combination of this with loose elements like the Fender Rhodes, and vocal chops. That’s exactly what we feel when listening to Brass hammer. It rolls and grooves, keeps the momentum going and going and expertly uses harmonic elements like the keys and vocals to build up the tension.
So there we go. 3 solid-as-a-rock groovers from Kassian and a loose, smile-inducing remix by Leo Pol to get your club hearts pumping again.
Yours Sincerely,
Lars & Maarten More

Format : Vinyl 12” (180 gr., Limited Full Cover)

Track list :
A1 The Premise
A2 Bad Habit
B1 Love 4:2
B2 Love 4:2 (DJ Nature remix)

Release Info:

At Heist, we’re always on the prowl for exciting new music and we’ve seriously found it in the form of new project ‘Kassian’, the brainchild of Joe Danvers- McCabe (‘Danvers') and Warren Cummings (‘Warren Xclnce’).

Both are regulars in the underground and wider reaching London scenes, Warren is a co-founder of Abouttoblow and a previous studio producer at Worldwide FM, whilst Joe came through DJing and running nights in the eclectic world of Bristol nightlife before moving to London.

Joe gained considerable attention this year with his ‘Interludes EP’ on Wotnot music, with ‘Aye Ata’ getting played by pretty much everyone from Gilles Peterson to Octo Octa. Perhaps unknowingly, he entered into Heist territory with a Frits Wentink remix on that release. After hearing this release, we got in touch with him and that’s when we heard about Joe and Warren’s plans to launch a new project together. They already had some tracks ready and when we heard them, it had ‘Heist Recordings’ written all over it. The whole EP breathes soul and funk with that dancefloor punch you’ve come to expect from Heist.

The Premise EP delivers three originals, each with a hint of soulful, old-school New York House, but with a fresh style and unique character. Finishing the EP is an eccentric and vibey DJ Nature remix. This release marks the start of a new musical path for the duo and we hope they have a lot more music to share with the world.

The title track “The Premise” has a special meaning for them: It’s named after the London studio/café ‘The Premises’ where they had their first studio sessions together following a chance meeting at a Peckham party they were both playing. The track is a moody but high-energy jam filled with Rhodes licks, vocal chops and some lovely string work. “Bad Habit” kicks in a bit harder but finds a nice balance again with a prominent piano, accompanied by some guitar chops and a soulful vocal. The energy is kept high with a loopy bassline and a mix of cowbells
and toms... wait for the acid line to hit to really feel this one!

The flip holds two versions of Love 4:2. The original is probably the darkest track of the ep with a heavy-as-hell bassline. The track stretches out over nine minutes with various vocal, percussive and synth elements taking place to support the vibe. The second version of this track comes from the skilled hand of DJ Nature. He’s been busy digging in his own archives; recently re-issuing old Nature Boy tracks to much success. Luckily, we’ve managed to push his buttons with this track and the remix he delivered is classy as can be. He goes for a similar approach in terms of speed and energy, but takes a sharp leftfield turn with a syncopated bassline and some twisted and tangled work on the keys.

Altogether we’ve got a debut release that has already done wonders in many of our DJ sets and we’re super excited to introduce Kassian to the world. Play it loud and enjoy!

Yours Sincerely,

Maarten & Lars.
More