B1 – Ocean Stirs – Pressure [ANP001]

Contact: detectionaudio@gmail.com

Ldn born but now Berlin based label X-Kalay make the winter their szn’ to switch things up and present a brand new label to defect into breaks frequencies. Six years deep in the scene, they’re a highly respected presence inside the proggy side of techno and the yellow plates have become synonymous with international artists like Adam Pitts, Maara, Rudolf C, Lou Karsh, Escape Artist and more. Forward-thinkers of the scene with a deep appetite for the trippy and euphoric corners of club music. The next instalment is a diversion into unfamiliar territory, jungle is having a mini revival so it will be interesting to see what names they’ll be deploring on their new quest.

‘Luminescent’ is the first EP from their brand new sub-label entitled ‘Another Planet’ and the first project exhibits the sounds of Tom Jarmey, operatering under the guise of his break-beater alter-ego ‘Ocean Stirs’. You may recognise the alias from previous releases with Dansu Discs and Holding Hands. He’s also one half of a sick production duo with Ed Hodge called ‘Mother Of Pearls’ and we highly recommend checking that out because they’ve got some mind-bending ideas that blend breaks with mechanical electro sounds.

ANP001 presents a outer-worldly package of meticulous breaks and skilfully chopped beats that’s drenched in atmosphere, wistful motions and pumping energy. Also invited to the mix is Tim Reaper. If you know you know. He’s one of the key figure-headz in Jungle’s revival and highly respected in the scene with his work behind the ever-present Future Retro imprint so it makes ideal sense to acquire his masterful experience to slap down a remix on this EP.

‘Luminescent’ (A1) shares its name with the EP title and paints an illuming entrance to the A-side that’s full of colour and bright lights. No heavy intake, cushioned breaks and an allure of glowing synths fizzle into the stratosphere like tiny fireworks. It switches into a more majestic strut as it progresses with a deft shift from the synths into some elegant piano notes to add a final touch of class into this evoking intro. Crisp as a winters day in NYC. Up next is Tim Reapers interpretation of ‘Luminescent’ (A2) and it’s as pure and slick as you’d expect. It channels the warping beauty of the original and engages the shooting synths with his controlled and energy-filled signature breaks.

The B1 is a treat. ‘Pressure’ hits the spot and instantly transports the listener into a cosmic rainforest of mystery; it’s dark and eerie but there’s a true sense of exploration and a cool nature about the whole vibe. The bass is wickedly smooth yet sincere and prominent. It carries the weight of the punchy drums and tightly cut breaks perfectly, by the time the ghostly vocals come into play the atmosphere is ice-cold and will leave you totally shivering on the spot.

‘Stitch’ (B2) closes the EP with a tuff and presiding cut that’s packed with the raw emotive dynamism of the previous worx. Tek-step drums bring a different flavour to the mix with a clear focus on robust snares whilst maintaining a translucent and bouncy flow with some magic rearing percs. It feels like the peak of a dream and OS creates another misty encounter thanks to a mirage of spacey pads and a multitude of celestial textures. You won’t wanna’ wake up.

Pre order the ‘Luminescent’ EP via bandcamp: https://bit.ly/3AttRJl

Ocean Stirs AKA Tom Jarmey: https://bit.ly/3UUBII3

Follow X-Kalay: https://bit.ly/2IrFOVZ

Stream the B1 ‘Pressure’ on our Soundcloud: