A2 – MSM – Socks Off [SR004]

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Liquid Earth has been one of the most unique artists to emerge onto the scene in recent years, and the birth of his new imprint ‘Squid Recordings’ is his time to fully stamp is quirky sound onto his own entity. A sound that’s forward thinking, wiggly and packed with modern analogue grooves, but with a doffed cap to earlier halcyon influences thanks to a mammoth record collection and encyclopaedic knowledge of the original Detroit, Chicago and 90’s/00s house movements.

It’s ‘tech-house with a twist’, and you get the sense that anything goes on this label as long as it fits the fresh and funky criteria. Club ready, peak-time squidgy grooves are heavily on the menu. So far we’ve seen a splash of ink from LE under his Mr Liquid guise for 001, re-mastered 90’s nugs from Nylosphere for 002 and a heavy-hitting breaks work-out from Borghese for 003. Next up, is a twisted VA from a quartet of rising talents including Iceberg, PACH, MSM and Nature Boy. Four system-crunching weapons that perfectly rep the colourful vitality of the label and have a high magnitude of D-Floor prowess.

Iceberg kicks of the VA with a sleazy house bomb. ‘Bend Over’ (A1) is anything but laid-back, almost over-flowing with funk and commands total energy from everyone involved. A proper D-floor purrer, propelled heavily by its wonky bass groove, provocative vocals and some steamy 80’s style synths. There’s no let up on the next one as MSM takes control with another fatal blast of energy. ‘Socks Of’ (A2) is a slip-n-sliding slice of slick tech-house, pumped with a ridiculously dexterous bassline, whirling synth-lines and stompy drums.

PACH get’s ‘A Little Too Cheeky’ (B1) on the flips edge with a sumptuous floaty banger. Less intense than A-side chaos, but this little number packs a punch with it’s skippy drums and bassline that’s jammed with summa groove and a plethora of micro techy glitches. Nature Boy concludes the care-package and ramps up the atmosphere with one final killa tune. ‘Dimension’ (B2) is dynamic and full of edge, like a marauding bassy python smashing everything in its path thanks to it’s crashing snares and siren bass/synth combinations. A perfect set-ender to wrap up the madness.