Kim Ann Foxman

Layo & Bushwacka! – Can’t Hurt You (Remixes) /// Olmeto

---

Layo & Bushwacka! source impressive remixes…

Words: Ryan Webb

Let’s start off with Guti’s remix. The injection of South American samba is evident from the opening; what noticeable after a few listens is the influence of jazz, and this blends effortlessly together with the low pitch vocals of Kim Ann Foxman. Her staggered and seemingly drunken delivery of “I found myself speaking, before I had the chance to think” is teed up by a subtle and rising high pitch synth.
The added sampling of vocals from Ann Foxman delivers a playful dimension to Guti’s remix. Guti makes sure we clearly hear the line: “I try to speak the truth, but sometimes my mouth gets a little loose”. Guti’s remix essentially carries on the laid back mood of the original, but the high tempo samba percussion, and low tone seeping synths, makes this an alternative dance groover and presents a trippy vibe that differs from Layo & Bushwacka’s offering.

From the off, Russ Yullop’s remix indicates a darker sound. The opening burst centres about the deep bass, which introduces the female vocals “I’m not holding on to the past”. “I tried to forget you, the wrong you did to me”, is a personal highlight, and shows that the darker sound compliments the vocals, which suggest bitterness towards an ex lover or friend.
The pace of the tempo quickens with an outburst of jumpy synths, which soar to give real intensive momentum. The repetitive clattering sound takes over, and is masterfully unified with the deep bass; giving a real climax to Russ Yullop’s remix.

Just Be’s Deep Dub serves up the longest musical output of the three remixes. The overlay of high pitch and low pitch vocals, in parts, gives it a certain edge. With its very funky bass line, and yet extended synths, Just Be’s remix offers the most atmospheric sound. Swirling tones and a tight bass add grandeur to the free-spirited approach of the rat-tat drum percussion.
Like Guti’s Remix, Just Be uses the same vocal samples of Kim Ann Foxman; however, where Guti’s mix combines the two with near perfection; I wasn’t convinced by the chemistry here.
From a personal stand point, Guti pulls out all the stops, and thus, I hang my hat on Guti’s remix.

Release Date: 26 November 2012

Layo & Bushwacka! | Kim Ann Foxman | Guti | Russ Yallop | Just Be | Olmeto |

---

---

Fabric is 13

---

Fabric may be on the verge of Puberty, but the club matured long ago…

Photos: Mark Oxley, Angelo Palombini

On the weekend of 19th October 2012, fabric officially turns thirteen. Rather than shying away from the fact that there are certain triskaidekaphobic people out there who go the extra mile to avoid anything that involves the number that’s one more than a dozen; they’re celebrating the fact that they’ve officially entered puberty, by programming a suitably special line up for the Friday and by opening the doors for another 32 hour marathon on the Saturday to house sets from residents Craig Richards and Terry Francis alongside a slew of impeccable special guests, many of whom will be playing multiple or extended sets.

“We realise we’re in something of a minority in looking forward to our thirteenth anniversary but there’s no real concrete proof where the superstition arose around 13′s defamatory level of unexplained unluck”, comments Fabric.

Continue reading “Fabric is 13” »

Andy Butler, MR INTL and Shaun J Wright’s “Forever More”

---

Hercules & Love Affair member brings back some much loved sounds in a modern setting with his MR INTL label…

Andy Butler seems to be on a mission to bring back some of those much loved sounds of the past with his label MR INTL. Having been launched at the end of last summer with the Butler & Kendig release, “And I’m (So In Love WithYou)”, it has continued to followed this path of some extraordinary groundbreaking music. Boasting a unique sound that many seem to be attempting to replicate but very few succeed in making an impact. It’s a sound that draws on the old influential analogue electronic sounds of the 80′s and early 90′s. But if we take this Butler & Kindig release, one which Andy himself believes is a prime example of what MR INTL is all about, then we can honestly say that the label is going to be hitting the nail on the head. That release alone seems to forge some amazing and creative, yet not so typical sounds, ones which you can clearly feel where the influence is coming from, but you are unable to predict exactly where its cool deep groove and slick transitions are going to take you.

Butler & Kendig – And I’m (So In Love With You)

The label has continued with similar releases, like Kim Ann Foxman’s laidback masterpiece, “Creature” or her deep funky “What You Need”. And now MR INTL releases a sublime one by Shaun J Wright… “Forever More”. The original mix has a remarkable feel of just creeping forwards in a mysterious manner, whilst some electronic jitters constantly try to escape, yet purposely failing so as to hold the suspense. And the vocal to this track just tops it off beautifully.
This release is accompanied by two redefining remixes, which both transform the pace and movement, only in very different ways. The “Aérea Negrot Remix” succeeds in pushing the pace further forwards than the original, adding a smooth rhythmical xylophone sound that blends well with an equally effective bass. There is a great progression to this mix as the gradual introduction of acid helps raise the mix further along with some well engineered LFO lead, filter work on some rather simple pads, building and building the mix to then simply ease things back down again.
The “Mastertape Remix” on the other hand leads with a deep bulging bass that has a slight acid edge to it covered with that magical vocal. And that’s about it… But the sheer consequences of such a simple mix is astounding. The mix is literally bulging with style and an unbelievably deep cool groove that even those “stand still at the bar with your drink in your hand human statues” will submit to a little body wiggling. This is one that will likely be dominating dance floors at 5am.

Shaun J Wright – Forever More

With such class music coming out of MR INTL we thought we’d hear from Andy himself about where things are coming from at the moment and where they’re going…

Tell us about the whole concept of MR INTL and how it came about?
“I just wanted to hear the sophisticated, deep elegant sound of deep house in the clubs again, had some friends that wanted to make it, and created an outlet for it. “

Artists featuring on the label seem to be Hercules & Love Affair members, is there any particular reason and can we expect to see any other artists joining the bill?
“Already we have remixers from outside, Wolfram did a single (not a part of Hercules), as is Jason Kendig from the Butler/Kendig collaboration. Yes many new faces in the future. “

What can we expect from MR INTL in the near future?
“A Kim Ann Foxman album, a Wolfram and Haddaway track(!), some stuff from some great guys in Tel Aviv.”

If anyone isn’t clear on what to expect from MR INTL, what one release would you recommend them to listen to, that you would say sums up MR INTL?
“Butler & Kendig – And I’m (So In Love With You)”

---

---