Roots Underground kicks off 2024 with a bang, presenting the EP of one of the most fascinating living legends of Detroit techno: John Beltran. Although he has never stopped producing music (luckily for us!), this EP represents a more than welcome return of John Beltran to those more classic techno sounds that have made him one of the most iconic producers of this musical genre in the world.
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John Beltran in proper downtown Detroit mood! Including a remix from the Knight Of The Jaguar man himself Rolando! BIG! More

John Beltran with 2 analog raw and fierce sounding Acid trax! Limited hand stamped copies.. More

Detroit's John Beltran can do no wrong if you ask us, and what he does do is always famously varied, from sound design for TV to melodic techno excellence via ambient beauty. Here for MotorCity Wine he revisits his Back To Bahia series with a third volume that finds him flexing his Afro-Brazilian deep house chops. The 7" opens up with the jazzy boogie of Lsaura' which is steeped in Minneapolis funk and will get cultured dancefloors in a spin. 'As The Sunsets' that appears on the flip and is a superbly emotive sound with wispy late night melodies and glowing harmonies and shuffling Latin grooves. Essential. More

The iconic John Beltran returns once again to Oath to exercise his passionate love affair with all things Balearic, and to say he expanded upon his 22’ EP with style is a severe understatement..

Based purely on his outputs over the years, there is little that seemingly John Beltran cannot do, and the results of his near 30-year long career are there for all to experience, taste, and sample. His music simply speaks differently, touching upon the palette of emotions that make up the human experience, be it the tenderest of sensory affirmations through to the euphoric, emboldening sweeps that get the listener lost deep within themselves – in the most perfected way imaginable. Emerging from the spectrum of sounds that made up that oh-so-referenced decade of the 90s, Beltran stands tall amongst his peers in this sense, with his discography alluding to many differing spheres of influence, a testament to the age-old adage of never standing still – there’s always room to grow, to experience, to nourish. From the sheer dance-laden brilliance of Placid Angles, the experimental grooves of Nostalgic, the techno excellence of Indio, and everything that permeates the music released under his own name, John Beltran continues to reset the goalposts, and we simply have to sit back and watch it all evolve right in front of us.

True to his broad-reaching range of influences, Beltran’s passion for Jazz, Brazilian and Balearic music has shone through in numerous ways within his career. His early 2000s LP releases on Ubiquity and his work with Sol Set are prime examples of how to merge live percussive influences with gorgeous, emotive synth work and vocals, and clearly, these ideals stuck with Beltran as he revitalized the Sol Set project for last year’s ‘Ola de Novo’ on All Good, alongside the magnificent ‘Para Viajeros’ EP. Both records showcased a majesty of instrumentation, a series of moods that are deeply evocative and pleasant to the ears on numerous levels. But there is never a sense of being lost within it all, as all the elements work tirelessly to create a perfected atmosphere of being, a cordial and highly tuned environment that feels so very believable. Its music you want to hold in your hands for the rest of your days, a vessel that transports to that idealised version of life where everything feels just right.

‘Serendipia’, Beltran’s new LP, carries forward the ideals of Sol Set and reignites the quietly evolving flames that were lit last year, and as an elaboration on his craft and its sound it’s really quite something. The title suggests the pleasantry that can be found in pleasant surprises, and whilst we aren’t surprised at the technical application or instrumentation on display (a signature of Beltran throughout his career). Still, we are pleasantly surprised by the display of emotive tools that are used to build up the soundscapes in which we find ourselves. Every tune is given time and space to breathe, and touches upon the lexicon of Balearic language and vibrations, stopping by the coast on multiple occasions to the point which you can feel the sand between your feet. The rhythms are set to the rhythms of life, such as on the tracks ‘Taina’ and ‘Cachaca’, which focus on up-tempo latin and jazz rhythms to get the pace set beautifully. Many of the tracks, such as ‘Em Trancoso’, ‘Sa Coma blue’ (featuring John Arnold), ‘Ask Anlari’, and ‘La Hermosa Vista’ have trance-like qualities to them, with free-flowing pianos and synths evolving expertly over simmering, aquatic rhythms. Towards the business end of the record, ‘Suenos Soleados’ and ‘Mallorca’ take us back to the overlook, basking in the 30 degree heat as the blue hues envelope the senses. To wrap things up, ‘Yangu Milele’ movs us to 5am or so, perhaps, where the rhythm is slowing down but the intensity remains just the same. As journeys go, there’s so much here to fall deep within, to be unravelled both within and out width the mind and body – to be honest, we come to expect nothing less from someone like John Beltran, who’s continual dips into the space between instrumentation and emotion conjure up records like no other.

Closing your eyes for a moment when engaging with this record transports us into a world of vibrancy, interactivity, and colour, where the thoughts and feelings of a thousand experiences transpose themselves onto us, inviting us to part with something of our own. John Beltran has hit a rich vein of form with his recent excursions into this kind of musical environment, but its one he is very familiar with, one he has a true appreciation and understanding of. No wonder his music speaks in such a way, and on this record his expert approach in present and correct – and the music itself, well, let’s just say transformative and majestic might be two ways of describing but a small part of the experience. Summer’s round the corner, time to escape once again… More

After his superlative and rather unexpected foray into Afro and Latin fusion with his Sol Set project, John Beltran returns to more familiar territory with a rendition of his classic mid-90s album 'Ten Days of Blue' recorded at this year's Dekmantel in Amsterdam. We get a real feel for the whole gig experience, from the sound of murmured anticipation and intro tape to the resolution at the outro and the main meat of the music itself - lively, optimistic, groovy but understated and chilled at the same time - sits somewhere between his ambient and harder techno work. Among Beltran's very finest output. More

New album from one of the big legendary Detroit producers. Aesthete is a warm journey into deep timeless electronix sounds, highly recommended! More

Let the sunshine in- John Beltran is back to Brasil for Back To Bahia Vol. 2. Similar to his last foray on MotorCity Wine Recordings Beltran has assembled an all-star cast of characters including John Arnold, Jeremy Ellis, James Simonson, and Kiko Navarro to deliver a slice of bright jazzy deep house heaven. Kiko Navarro's "Motor City Jazz Remix" starts the release with driving live drums and percussion for discerning dance floors. On the flip John's original mix keeps the energy moving, before going to the brilliant Sol Set Collective Rework which blends live energy with driving production for those special dance floor moments. Pressed loud to high quality 12" vinyl in Detroit. More

The always-innovative John Beltran surprises us with his first release on a Romanian label. The circularity of Energy Circle, the beauty of The Cycles EP, sets a typically Beltran soundscape, a melodic mood for this three-pieced beauty. The Sun Also Rises on the flip side, making it the rather bright beast of the release, while the marching B2 – Going Uphill Fast (hope on the horizon) — is a granular techno classic, closing Eufonic Records' first release on a very Detroit note. More

Detroit composer John Beltran returns to Delsin with The Season Series. A collection of subtle and colorful compositions of beautiful synth melodies creating heavenly atmospheres. A blissful walk through breezy spring fields where the gentle sunrays thaw frosty winter scenes. More

Detroit composer John Beltran returns to Delsin with The Season Series. A collection of subtle and colorful compositions of beautiful synth melodies creating heavenly atmospheres. A blissful walk through breezy spring fields where the gentle sunrays thaw frosty winter scenes. More

On Oath’s latest release, the imprint is beyond proud to bring renowned West Coast producer Jesse Bru into the fold, who brings with him a truly barnstorming collection of music that dips deep into the in-between and brings forth a captivating audial experience like no other..

Jesse Bru remains one of modern dance music’s most intriguing technicians, both from a humanistic and machine-driven perspective. His sound is born deeply from 90s sample-based approaches, and this fascination has been stretched out and rewritten constantly throughout his releases to great effect. Bru primarily releases music under the guise of House, but to delve deep within his records is to see a much broader perspective, where many genres can be found within the grooves and rhythms. His melodic work, with a particular emphasis on vocal samples as part of melodic exchanges with pianos and synths, is inspiring, to say the least, and as a core facet of his work always aims to shift his sound onwards and upwards. There aren’t many styles that aren’t touched upon within his discography, and his journey to date feels very much like an exercise in understanding the liminal spaces that persist between a myriad of genres. Bru always finds new ways to mesmerize, entice and unfurl within his music, joyous yet calculated and unraveling – a distinctly infectious sound that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. With stellar releases on labels such as Slothboogie, Aterral, Oath’s sub-label Last Year at Marienbad, Blaq Numbers, and Happiness Therapy, there’s plenty to delve into and get to know.

‘Sea to Sky’ is Bru’s first LP since 2020’s ‘The Coast’, and there aren’t many ground or in-between spaces which he doesn’t cover over the album’s 13 glorious tracks. Shifting from simmering ambient to pumped-up electro, sparkling House cuts through to unraveling downtempo numbers, Bru ensures the listener leaves the experience feeling the totality of his universe. Going through the album sides, A begins with ‘Cascadia Sun’, which features an esoteric vocal sample laid upon shifting chordal arrangements, which does much to set the tone for things to come. ‘Kalamalka’ is up next, which drives into an electro-themed sunset, one which features some inspired melodic sequences and deep-set rhythmic patterns. ‘Pacific Northwest (Off The Grid)’ comes into view next, and this is classic Bru, with a rock-solid kick providing the foundation for a myriad of delicate melodic tones to drift in and out of view – warming the heart and the soul, as always.

The B Side introduces ‘In The Sky (Night Moves)’, which swings the focus back to into the electro realms, with this number set at a meandering pace, ensuring maximum engagement with the soft hues and delicate textures. ‘Go Somewhere’ slams into the stage right afterwards, an uptempo garage number that sets the pulses racing with its gorgeous chordal work and vocal samples. Side C has ‘Deep Cove’ up first, which features one of Bru’s long-form House journeys, and this one does not disappoint, with spacious melodic blemishes overlaid with one another for maximum emotional impact. ‘Hyperlight’ rounds off C, acting as a quick glimpse across the horizon line with soaring arpeggios and deep chordal exercises, creating a pit stop on this already dynamic and interchangeable journey.

Side D kicks off with ‘Mnajdra’, which again features Bru’s classic motifs in the art of crafting top-quality house music. A hypnotic rhythmic palette sets the stage for the vocals to do their magic, along with pretty, engaging synths which provide a melodic base in which to loose yourself completely. ‘The Abyss’ takes things back into electro territories, and this one has a brooding tone to it – the hum and fizz of the bass synths, razor sharp percussion, and filtered vocals make quite an image in the mind.

Getting towards the business end of the record, Side E contains ‘Sea to Sky (Discoteqha)’, which shifts back into house territories. Another one of Bru’s 8-minute masterpieces, the unraveling nature of this track provides plenty of scope and scale in which to dwell, a mesmerizing experience that is balanced and poised to perfection. Side F, the final chapter of the record, features 3 rather contrasting experiences, but of which is reflective of the overall experience. ‘Movin On’ slows things way down, with a swinging hip-hop beat acting as the crux for soulful melodies and vocals to lay themselves loving up top. ‘Autumn Rain’ is a reflective number, with somber synth work giving way to a skipping breakbeat that echos murmurs in the soul. To round up the experience, we have ‘The Drip’, which takes the record into its final form – Jungle/D’n’B to be precise, with waterfall-like arpeggios frantically sprawling over hyper intense fills and breaks, and as the final track it remains fitting for such a wondering yet expertly conceived musical experience. Its very.well, its very Jesse Bru and it works so very well.

Some artists spend their whole careers searching for the sweet spots within their musical universes, the spaces in the middle ground which when activated can act as the catalyst for new ideas and progressions. Jesse Bru feels as if he has found these moments within his work many moons ago, and has always found new ways to reinvent the wheel seemingly at will. This new record of his is a testament to that fact, a truly all-encompassing experience that takes both time for the listener to get involved, and knows exactly when to shift gears and take a right turn. Its curated to such a high degree, that every move into differing musical perspectives makes sense, with the tone set at the beginning but with plenty of space left to grow, and that is truly the sign of a great full-length experience. So why not drop the needle on this one, switch off for a bit, and drift through into the cosmos… More

On Oath’s latest release, the imprint are proud to present the latest offering from London-based producer and DJ Tom Jarmey, on a record that sweeps beautifully across the electronic music palette and comes forth sparkling, enticing, and enveloping all at the same time..

On his musical journey to date, Jarmey has showcased a particular dexterity to crafting music, a polymath of sorts who has been able to nurture his sound carefully as to expand into and above multiple facets of Dance music and electronica. His musical universe is one permeated by a series of prevailing threads that come together at very exciting thresholds, a dizzying array of sounds that boil and simmer with intensity and intelligence, whilst always sounding thoughtful and expertly crafted. Its a journey that has seen Jarmey experiment sonically within the realms of House, Ambient, D’n’B, Jungle, Breaktbeat, Electro, techno and so on and so forth, and within all of these musical spaces Jarmey has always found a balance and a rhythm which sounds and feels so exciting to the ears and to the heart. His releases speak for themselves, a continual build-up and release exercise that has seen his sound grow and prosper into new and bold realms, with Wing Theory, X-Kalay, Holding Hands, Dansu Discs, and the like all calling themselves homes of Jarmey’s music. His work also as Ocean Stirs and as a member of Mother of Pearls (alongside Birmingham-based producer Ed Hodge) only adds further to his sonic mystique and depth, and as a place to walk back into there is plenty to delve deep within and linger for a while.

‘Swing Through Spaces’ is an apt title for his latest effort, building upon his fluid explorations of genres and musical in-betweens as a new representation of his ever-evolving musical narrative. The overall feel of the record has a real concise notion to it, simmering around the undergrowth with plenty of hypnotic low-end frequencies but with a constant emergence into the upper echelons of melody and tone. ‘Portal’ and ‘Fuse’, which get things started, both display a swinging rhythmic outlay with cascading key sequences that merge and blend so beautifully, with a keen eye evidently placed upon how one segment moves into the next. ‘Dusk’ and ‘Deep Space’ provide the record’s downtime moments, but in quite different ways. ‘Dusk’ is a pure, breezy meander through the summertime, with the bass line carrying the beat atop which sits a bird song melody of sorts with inspired vocal work, creating a head nodder for the ages. ‘Deep Speed’ however is a mind bender, as the arpeggios are set free within a cavernous space that only expands further as you begin to focus on the notes being played out.

The tracks ‘Negative’, which features Kitty Noble, and ‘Stay Hidden’, take things away into choppy, ever-shifting spaces. ‘Negative’ is a real gem, with that D’n’B rhythm providing the perfect foil for ever-shifting melodic patterns to swing in and out of view. It has that very clear reference point to the 90s era of D’n’B, where headspace drifting was most encouraged, and with Noble’s vocal work there is so much to connect with on this track. ‘Stay Hidden’ is ever so slightly different, with an inherent focus on looping segments and short but sweet vocal samples, this one rolls with a different intent – but it’s just as significant.

What great record wouldn’t be complete without a couple of remixes, and here the talents of Synkro and Son of Philips are employed to work out ‘Negative’ and ‘Deep Speed’ respectively. Negative is taken deeper than before, with the kicks occupying the space with flickering of breaks allowed to keep things moving onwards. Noble’s vocals are given a different kind of space in which to shine, as the horns, keys, and the like are spaced out to provide an incredible experience. Finally, the ‘Deeper Mix’ by Son of Philips creates a trance-like rethinking of ‘Deep Speed’, and it’s the final piece of the puzzle with this real statement of intent – a glorious slice of melodic bliss that makes this record feel like it could continue to go places, even after the final note has played out.

Tom Jarmey has achieved a fair amount throughout his career to date it must be said, and on ‘Swing Through Spaces’ there is a feeling as if a lot more is there to be written. A record that points to the future as much as the past, but in the here and now it speaks volumes, providing plenty of room to dive in and enjoy its bountiful feelings and tones, all wrapped up in an atmosphere of exploration that continually pushes outwards. A stellar release, and Oath couldn’t be more proud to present it. Press play, and drift away. More

2024 gets underway, Oath are thrilled to share the imprint’s latest long play, which comes courtesy of rising star Moonee – and you better believe its a solid gold stunner…

Francois Lefevre, the producer behind the Moonee name – alongside his group projects Twice Movement and Simple Request (with French House royalty Tour-Maubourg) – really optimizes all that is bold and beautiful about the House genre. The release of ‘Wabi Sabi’ on Groovence in 2022, then ‘Primal Groove’ on Slothboogie last year, has already helped Lefevre craft a significant space for himself under the Moonee name. His sound is one of tremendous melodic feel, with a plethora of rhythmic patterns and atmospheres being utilised to help create a bountiful sonic universe. His attention to how the groove unravels and how progression can be used softly but subtly really comes over strong, immersing the listener in a very warm place indeed. As beginnings to discographies go, this start is immensely strong, and one which provides a rock solid basis for all sorts of excellence to come forth.

‘Sandquest’ provides the next step in the journey for Moonee, and as LPs go it contains the same kind of depth as his first two EPs, but on display is a kind of magic that producers really harness on long plays. The record is encapsulated in the fundamentals of house, but to say that it sticks to a singular formula would be to do it a massive disservice – Moonee leaves nothing unturned when it comes to serving up the goods. Broken Beat and skippin’ rhythms play a big part in breaking up the uptempo numbers, as as a balancing act its handled very well indeed. The melodic usage is expertly handled on all tracks, and when breaking down the record you can feel that the journey from track to track has been considered superbly – be it in the club or at home.

‘Ouzo’ kicks the album off, and this number helps the listener land with two feet in the experience. The broken drums are spacious, allowing for all manner of wondrous melodic lines to drift in and out of view – delicately poised, numerous and effective, everything you could wish for from an opener. ‘Balagne’ then lands, and this one moves into familiar territories as we sweep through into a beautiful house cut, with the drums ringing true alongside some inspired key work. ‘Light on Earth’ keeps the vibes going on strong, with an expressive opening salvo opening up into a similar atmosphere that grows and grows, sweeping across the horizon line with delight. ‘Black Roses’ is next, and this one presents a warped yet beguiling shift through an intriguing atmosphere – drifting along, not a care in the world, glorious.

‘Arcadie’ then lands, and this one speaks softly but beautifully. The drums cast a long shadow, swinging along with plenty of room for the glorious keys to come into view, and its a track you will want to dip your head into time and time again. The title track then arrives, which immediately places the listener in a fast paced, emotive soundscape, one which bubbles along the top ends and gives such feels, no matter what context. ‘Evening World’ perfectly captures the feeling of that late evening early morning sway, with deep set drums being served under a gorgeous repeating chordal arrangement. To wrap the experience up, we have ‘Abundance’, and this track is 7 minutes of acid-y, grooving excellence – a perfect ender to a truly wicked album.

Two EPs down, and now this fantastic long play. Moonee really flexed his style and craft on this record, one which constantly delighted at every turn, providing an enriching spectrum of sounds that stick true to his production technique and to his craft. Not for one second do you stand still, but merely carried along on a wave of melodic euphoria, simply pleased to be along for the ride. The dips from heavy hitting though to softly spoken at handled so well, and as a result we are left with a pretty damn good way to enter in 2024. Winter has arrived, but warm your heart with this stunner. More

Following successive singles “Second Life” and “A Vision”, Finnish electronic artist Blomfelt is set to
unveil the remaining six tracks that encompass his hotly anticipated “I’m Interested In Apathy” LP.
Expanding on two stunning lead-up releases, the collection of tracks shapes a formative exploration
of Blomfelt’s desire to capture distinct feelings and moods.
Speaking about the album’s ethos, Blomfelt says: “It’s an exploration of fleeting, beautiful moments,
reminiscent of various phases in our lives, including those formative memories from childhood that
often reveal their significance much later, once time has settled.
“It’s a yearning for those moments of contentment and profound happiness to linger, an unrelenting
desire to grasp them tightly,” he continues.
Undeniably studious in its journey from cover to cover, the album explores the realms of alternative
electronic dance music and delves into universally resonant and malleable experiences throughout
key stages in life. Between the rigidity of certainty within tracks like “A Vision”, “Second Life”, “Apathy”
and “Release”, you can also find the pensive melancholy and free-floating ether of “A New Form”,
“Swim”, “Eira” and “An Ending”.
“I relish the notion that my music might evoke the essence of a potential story or film without being
tethered to one – my work draws heavily from cinema and still shots in films, as they seem to have the
ability to evoke this profound emotional response in me” – Blomfelt.
Rarely do you encounter such albums that challenge the cerebral database in an emotional recount.
A finely balanced plethora of sonic stimulation that piques movement as well as memories, Blomfelt’s
long-awaited “I’m Interested In Apathy” is a stellar addition to any respectable electronic library. More

On Oath’s latest, the imprint welcomes into the fold Stockholm-based Jakob Apelian, who serves up the most impeccable grooves, rhythms and emotive undertones on a captivating, enticing tour de force….

What began as an ear for rhythm soon blossomed into a deep-founded ability to craft and curate, and Apelian’s musical journey has covered all the bases when it comes to appreciation, testing, and conjuring into life. From a foundation of playing around with an Akai MPC 3000, Apelian has tinkered with his sonic approach to such an extent that it now represents a fully realized and deeply profound atmosphere – one which layers samples, chops and tones into something new, something different. This approach has paid dividends and is one that has evolved over time, moving from a deep house space and now washing over into the realms of break and spacey speed garage. No matter what genre, his approach remains consistent and balanced, driving to the core of the feeling behind it all, and when this road is well trodden by a producer, there is little to limit creativity – or to limit the ability to bring forth the previously unexpected. Releases on Beats of No Nation, Apparel and Fresh Take Records all provide much goodness to lose yourself within and provide a springboard for his new release here on Oath.

‘Sensible Chaos’ represents Apelian’s latest incarnation of his sound, and the sounds found here build upon the success of his release on uu rhythm from earlier this year. Breaks, beats and driving rhythm are the flavours of the day, with the title track – which opens up the EP – signalling of the experience to be expected going forwards. The groove is crafted superbly, providing a bedrock for filtered, floating melodic structures to shift through the sands up above, the vocal snippets, in particular, doing much to add flavor and feeling. ‘All My Dreams’ shifts the tones down a notch, with the opening salvo drawing the listener close before making their very being move to the groove. The beats evolve and evoke in equal measure, lifting up the melodies, letting them soar in the evening sun and drift into the outer reaches – truly captivating stuff. ‘My Belongings’ begins with the drifting melodic hook to kick things off, before the scattered drums align themselves with the pulse, and things get real interesting here. The spaces within the track encourage dwelling, allowing the listener to dip their head within the beats and really soak up the emotive feels. Glorious, ever present and enriching, this one is a jewel. To wrap things up on a fantastic piece of music, we have a remix of ‘My Belongings’ by none other than John Beltran in his Placid Angles guise, and this one shifts the perspectives of the original in surprising and dynamic ways. Everything is lifted slightly in the mix, creating a different kind of drive to the original which is surprising and refreshing all at once, but in a way that compliments the original cut. A wondrous end to a sublime experience, one which moves the soul and body in equal measure – and we feel all the better for it.

Playing around on hardware is one sure way to find new ways to appreciate music, and for Jakob Apelian it has provided the core structure of his music-making approach. This has allowed for multi-faceted exploration, a willingness to look around the corner and above the parapet, and on this latest experience, he serves up one hell of a journey through breaks, euphoric uplifts and intoxicating atmospheres. It’s an environment years in the making, and as musical universes go, you won’t find a better encapsulation of one than on this record – so go on, lose yourself in the bliss….. More

Breezy headwinds, orange-tinged skies, hazy, serene bliss – just some of the profound feelings to be had on the latest release from Oath, a masterclass in melody and mood from one of the finest ever to do…..

Italian producer and DJ Jacy remains one of the stand-out musical characters from a dazzling ensemble of atmosphere builders who were so prevalent during the late 80s and early 90s. His craftsmanship is simply legendary, his music quite simply some of the finest to exude from this period of time, and of which is still making waves in the collective sands now. His dedication to the creation of emotive sweeps, gorgeous rippling tones and easy going, freeing atmospheres has remained a cornerstone of his sound, from the early days through to his excellent work on his imprint Home of House, along with sublime releases on Kalahari Oyster Cult and Hot Haus Recs. Jacy’s sound was broadcast to the world once again via Safe Trip’s ‘Welcome To Paradise’ compilations, where his inclusions were something that lingered long in the memory – an essential component of what is known as the ‘Dream House’ sound. It’s difficult to convey into words exactly how a Jacy record can take the listener, but perhaps it’s different for everyone – one thing can be agreed on though, it’s an experience like no other.

‘Night Fantasy’ is Jacy’s first EP in 4 years, and much like his other records, this one blesses us with warmth, delight and joy, in the softest and most subtle of manners. The title track, which opens up the record, greets the listener with a familiar drum pattern, one which then gives way to the rock-hard bass line, and then the pads arrive. Heavenly angelic in form, their presence is complimented by the arrival of the breathy vocal sample, which evolves to provide a wondrous narrative with the cascading synth line that comes soon after. As a combination its intoxicating, with the breakdown giving us time to get to know this mixture very well, indeed, before powering home with excellence. ‘Just Change’ comes on next, and this one opens up with that classic and explicitly dreamy chord sequence we all know and cherish, with Jacy allowing us to soak up this goodness before shifting the perspective to the rhythm. The interplay that occurs here between keys and drums is something different, before everything transitions into a sequence to close your eyes too. ‘Dat Tape’ shifts perspective to more of a swing in terms of the groove, with sweeping background pads doing much to tug at the heartstrings. The vocal sample is so very effective at crafting an audial narrative, inviting the listener to swim deeper into the goodness, with the subtle transitions doing much to keep things ticking over. Finally, we have ‘Come On’, and this one keeps a spacious feel between the keys and the drums, and it works ever so well. The bass line occupies the bottom ends superbly, with interchanges in chords and some ever-so-familiar vocal samples thrown into the mix – and its simply wonderful.

To convey deep set feelings is to have faith in musical dexterity, to understand the grooves in the record, to follow instinct and trust in the process and precedent. Jacy has always found the sweet spot in his music by following this approach, it seems, and this new record of his is an accumulation of a lifetime of dedication and passion to music and all of its many flavors. Soaring, effective melodic undulations and rapturous, fluctuating rhythms, coupled with atmospheres to drift into – what more could you wish for? Lets get lost within it once again…. More

On his second excursion for Oath, Manchester-based producer Loz Goddard continues to nurture the clubby side of his sound with a razor-sharp and bombastic EP that contains all you could ever wish for when it comes to breaks, euphoria, and sonic depth….

As a producer, Loz has operated under a number of guises, but one thing has always remained – his elegant and inspired application of melody. His early career was marked by a number of superb releases on labels such as Church, Tusk Wax, Apparel and many more, all of which highlighted a deep affection for groove, tone and atmosphere. The music largely operated within the realms of Deep House – at times spilling over into Nu-Disco – but there was always a little bit of shine on each EP that pointed to other spheres of influence, and it was these references points that made Loz Goddard’s music feel broad, considered and introspective. The music appealed on many levels and provided plenty of worlds and spaces in which listeners could get deeply involved within, and this journey is filled with beautifully polished gems that can be held and admired in your hands time and time again.

A two-year break from releases resulted in the release of ‘Ballon Tree Road’, his debut LP and first release on Oath, and to say the record was a step forward would be an enormous understatement. Here Loz Goddard set down a marker of things to come, as he drew from the melodic outlays that were a cornerstone of his discography to date and permeated these through a spectrum of styles and rhythms that represent everything good about a dance music record. You had the quiet moments, the heart-felt moments, the pure and powerful moments, with Loz exploring everything from Breaks to Ambient, Broken Beat to House, and even some D’n’B thrown in for good measure. This was a marker if there ever was one, and it firmly established Loz’s second era phase, one where his abilities were given space to shine on a much broader scale.

‘Are We Ever Leaving Here?’ builds upon the energies found within his debut LP, providing a bitesize experience that aims itself directly at the dance floor – but listening at home provides a lot of scope for inward escapism. The EP presents three original cuts, of which the title track gets things going – a deep set, resonating chord gets things going, which fans out to include additions to the sequence, and before long the breaks come into play, achieving lift-off and welcoming you firmly into the experience. ‘Parallaxing’ really evokes that firm set 90s Techno sound, with a hard-as-nails rhythm section (with hats aplenty) providing a basis for acid lines, swelling backroom chords and gorgeous interplays between synth lines – the way in which this song peaks is utterly glorious. ‘Space Nugz’ takes things down a notch, but keeps things heavy yet delicate. The beat here is cavernous, diving deep down within the strata along with the bass line that keeps proceedings ticking over. The melodic top layer is spacey, drifting between the ethereal and the real, enticing the listener to leave this plane and pursue a new life in another galaxy.

To round off the experience, there are two remixes from Casa Voyager head OCB, and Bristol-based producer Boulderhead, and they do not disappoint. OCB puts his spin on the title track, and the BPM gets pushed to its max, with the vibe pulled apart and rebuilt as a heads-down, floor-smashing proggy roller. Boulderhead focuses on ‘Space Nugz’, and here the groove is once again flipped on its head, with the remix pushing into the realms of dreamy chuggy techno, with the melodies filling up the spaces so beautifully.

Loz Goddard started something beautiful with his debut LP, and saw his sonics reach new heights and touch new depths. This EP keeps the flames burning bright, with expertly crafted dynamics and his signature melodic abilities on full display, with the two remixes adding much to the experience. As a mini-experience, it’s hard to beat, and it only sets the heart racing for what might come next – for the meanwhile, Oath are incredibly proud to facilitate this beautiful new experience from Loz Goddard, and its one hopefully to be enjoyed at a few spots this summer….. More

The iconic John Beltran returns once again to Oath to exercise his passionate love affair with all things Balearic, and to say he expanded upon his 22’ EP with style is a severe understatement..

Based purely on his outputs over the years, there is little that seemingly John Beltran cannot do, and the results of his near 30-year long career are there for all to experience, taste, and sample. His music simply speaks differently, touching upon the palette of emotions that make up the human experience, be it the tenderest of sensory affirmations through to the euphoric, emboldening sweeps that get the listener lost deep within themselves – in the most perfected way imaginable. Emerging from the spectrum of sounds that made up that oh-so-referenced decade of the 90s, Beltran stands tall amongst his peers in this sense, with his discography alluding to many differing spheres of influence, a testament to the age-old adage of never standing still – there’s always room to grow, to experience, to nourish. From the sheer dance-laden brilliance of Placid Angles, the experimental grooves of Nostalgic, the techno excellence of Indio, and everything that permeates the music released under his own name, John Beltran continues to reset the goalposts, and we simply have to sit back and watch it all evolve right in front of us.

True to his broad-reaching range of influences, Beltran’s passion for Jazz, Brazilian and Balearic music has shone through in numerous ways within his career. His early 2000s LP releases on Ubiquity and his work with Sol Set are prime examples of how to merge live percussive influences with gorgeous, emotive synth work and vocals, and clearly, these ideals stuck with Beltran as he revitalized the Sol Set project for last year’s ‘Ola de Novo’ on All Good, alongside the magnificent ‘Para Viajeros’ EP. Both records showcased a majesty of instrumentation, a series of moods that are deeply evocative and pleasant to the ears on numerous levels. But there is never a sense of being lost within it all, as all the elements work tirelessly to create a perfected atmosphere of being, a cordial and highly tuned environment that feels so very believable. Its music you want to hold in your hands for the rest of your days, a vessel that transports to that idealised version of life where everything feels just right.

‘Serendipia’, Beltran’s new LP, carries forward the ideals of Sol Set and reignites the quietly evolving flames that were lit last year, and as an elaboration on his craft and its sound it’s really quite something. The title suggests the pleasantry that can be found in pleasant surprises, and whilst we aren’t surprised at the technical application or instrumentation on display (a signature of Beltran throughout his career). Still, we are pleasantly surprised by the display of emotive tools that are used to build up the soundscapes in which we find ourselves. Every tune is given time and space to breathe, and touches upon the lexicon of Balearic language and vibrations, stopping by the coast on multiple occasions to the point which you can feel the sand between your feet. The rhythms are set to the rhythms of life, such as on the tracks ‘Taina’ and ‘Cachaca’, which focus on up-tempo latin and jazz rhythms to get the pace set beautifully. Many of the tracks, such as ‘Em Trancoso’, ‘Sa Coma blue’ (featuring John Arnold), ‘Ask Anlari’, and ‘La Hermosa Vista’ have trance-like qualities to them, with free-flowing pianos and synths evolving expertly over simmering, aquatic rhythms. Towards the business end of the record, ‘Suenos Soleados’ and ‘Mallorca’ take us back to the overlook, basking in the 30 degree heat as the blue hues envelope the senses. To wrap things up, ‘Yangu Milele’ movs us to 5am or so, perhaps, where the rhythm is slowing down but the intensity remains just the same. As journeys go, there’s so much here to fall deep within, to be unravelled both within and out width the mind and body – to be honest, we come to expect nothing less from someone like John Beltran, who’s continual dips into the space between instrumentation and emotion conjure up records like no other.

Closing your eyes for a moment when engaging with this record transports us into a world of vibrancy, interactivity, and colour, where the thoughts and feelings of a thousand experiences transpose themselves onto us, inviting us to part with something of our own. John Beltran has hit a rich vein of form with his recent excursions into this kind of musical environment, but its one he is very familiar with, one he has a true appreciation and understanding of. No wonder his music speaks in such a way, and on this record his expert approach in present and correct – and the music itself, well, let’s just say transformative and majestic might be two ways of describing but a small part of the experience. Summer’s round the corner, time to escape once again… More

Gliding across the slipstreams, leaving no frequency unturned, unraveling the tether into the glitter and the gloss. The strata meander, the grooves contract then explode with gusto and grace, the listener transported along through the haze and into a soundscape of such purpose and feeling. Its emotive music at its most enticing, it’s most enigmatic, it’s most surprising…..

If there ever were an artist who defied the notion of labels and embraced the boundlessness of the unknown, it would undoubtedly be Gacha Bakradze, who has taken listeners on the most sublime of journeys through his releases. It’s easier to say his sound is grounded in emotional purity than in one singular genre (or indeed a group of genres), as Bakradze prefers to skirt between the lines, picking up and manipulating the frequencies that persist within the electronic stratosphere. His inspiring technical touch is partnered with a joyous exploratory nature, guidance that has seen him put very few feet wrong as he swerves between a multitude of styles and genres. From his now-fabled releases on the legendary Apollo label, through to his deeply thought-provoking LP efforts on Lapsus, along with a number of astonishing EPs on imprints such as Cin Cin, Best Works, Fever AM and more, Bakradze always finds room to involve the listener with his world – so that the two can grow more fond of each other. The bond that Bakradze crafts with his music to the people who come into contact with is undeniable, as his journey caresses the ground and points in so many directions – it’s simply a matter of seeing It reach out and surprise us once again. No matter what mood you find yourself in, his music gives as much as it takes, a bountiful relationship that only serves to expand your mind and make you feel like you’ve never felt before.

To provide a space for Bakradze to bottle his magic should be at the top of the list for many a label, and Oath has looked to do just that with ‘Forget’. The five trackers has the hallmarks of whatever you might define as his ‘classic’ emotive hallmarks, but with plenty of dynamic motifs thrown in for good measure that provide the listener with that sense of progression – not to mention the expertness in his craft, which is evident throughout. ‘Shifting’ kicks things off, with a quietly involving arpeggio providing the basis for the kicks and gorgeous piano leads to come into play, and by the time the bass notes come into play, there is already that engrossing feeling coming to the surface. It’s a subtle electro kind of vibe, gentle and swaying but with a hefty dollop of energy that surfaces through the breaks and the swerves. ‘Lake’ continues onwards with another delicate arpeggio getting things going before ascending into a deep, diverse and expansive scape indeed. The energy swerves, grows and rises from top to bottom, ensuring the journey feels like it has no end – the gorgeous key line that lands itself within the higher ends around the mid-way mark seals the deal.

‘What You Say’ starts in a similar manner, swirling and growing whilst also not giving much away in terms of the tempo – this is smashed as the kicks come in heavy. Whilst the previous efforts displayed a gentler side to proceedings, this cut is all about the bass and the fuzz, filling in the gaps between the ever-shifting rhythmic structure as the dance is guided toward euphoria. ‘Form’ lands next, and this one builds upon the vibrations of the last number and runs off with it. This one creates this dark and dubby atmosphere, one where the dancers are contorted, the emotive elements stripped back which keeps the rhythm in charge, and we are all for it. To wrap things up, we have ‘Broken Wing’, which meanders back into the softly undulating territory of the first couple of numbers. Bakradze brings the arpeggio motif back into view, his soft touch applied also to the drums as they quietly grow into the mix, as the two layers intertwine beautifully and with a true sense of purpose. Its a fitting end to a record that provides so much, an effort that pours over itself to continually find new methods of wowing, and you leave the experience feeling like you have listened to four EPs in one. A truly remarkable statement from one of dance musics most enigmatic producers.

Gacha Bakradze has also looked for a greater meaning in his music, be it in terms of sonics, scope or indeed how everything flows and meanders from one source to the next. This latest EP on Oath is no exception and stands tall as yet another piece of significance to flow from his fingertips. His ability to weave the listener into a world filled with such beauty and rhythm is remarkable, the music eager to envelop and allow you to explore to your heart’s content. It creates a bond that is strong from track and by the end, it is unbreakable. So go on, wrap yourself around this absolute stunner…. More

“Staying true to his house roots, Cosmonection maintains a blissful and richly textured theme, conjuring memories of sunny mornings and worry-free days at the beach; one for the dreamers and house heads alike.” More

Seb Wildblood kicks off the year with his ‘vitara 3000’ EP, a dispatch loaded with three atmospheric cuts which seamlessly dive between sounds of nostalgia, broken beat, and euphoric melodies. The three-tracker via Istanbul-based Oath is his first release since dropping his warmly-received sophomore LP ‘do you feel it too?’ on all my thoughts.

‘This EP was born out of having the first solid space to be creative in since moving to LA from London. There’s a call and response element to the record via vitara 3000, which refers back to my last album ‘do you feel it too?’ that came out in May via the vocal sample. I see my catalog/discography in phases, and for me, this EP reflects the final few chapters of the sound and energy I’ve been exploring over the last 18 months or so.’ – Seb Wildblood.

‘floor science’ is the first to drop listeners into Seb’s kaleidoscopic soundscape, indulging ears with a scintillating, high-energy cut that’s inspired by tech house of the noughties. The title track ‘vitara 3000’ trips into a blissful place, where the question posed by Seb’s second LP is answered in the euphoric flight of the vocal, literally calling out, “I can feel!” New studio space and a grab for new studio gear gave creative steam to ‘re-location.zip’, a track that radiates with new beginnings from the elevating chords to the skittering synths and soaring vocals. More

Tracklist

A1. Gabriella
A2. Tempelhof
B1. Awakening The World’s Heart
B2. Lucid Dreaming

As a trained dancer, movement has always guided GiGi FM’s work, whether through developing movement based instruments, or questing to make you move via sound-systems across the world. These ephemeral moments of altered sleep patterns and dance are now present in the music of ‘Sea~rène’, sounds for a trip in the mind held with a desire to dance.

A sense of brightness prevails in ‘Movimiento’, the feeling of white light rising from the dark of your mind as you lay with closed eyes.

Opener ‘Gabriella’ takes you by the hand to spin you across the ballroom floor, dancing in a dusky glow. Piano twinkles along with your step; a gradual ascension as a graceful dance can be. Lost in thoughtful yet thoughtless drift to the rumble of sound, we can confront parts of ourselves and our connection to others, the spirit of B side opener ’Awakening The World’s Heart’.

Place is important to movement also, as heard in the kinetic motion of ‘Tempelhof’, reminiscent of the feld in Berlin (GiGi’s home) itself. Blurred lines of people weaving their way through, either high speed on skates or on a leisurely stroll. It's summer in the city, where the nighttime shortens and daylight extends, yet the simulated night of the club never ends. Eventually reaching slumber, ‘Lucid Dreaming’ is the record's swan-song, a final lift of propulsion to remind that the dream of dance is a physical act, belonging to the imagined and the real. Digi bonus ‘Raspberry Pie’ is a sweet treat at the end of the dance, a familiar taste and a reminder of joy, ready for the next ‘Movimiento’.
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