KAROL XVII & MB VALENCE – SUBWAY STATION 1 EP

Artist : Karol XVII & MB Valence

Title : Subway Station 1 EP

Label : Loco Records

Cat : LRD079

Release : Feb 17 2014

Genre : Deep House

Review by Andy Howarth

Originating from Poland, Karol XVII & MB Valence have a brand new EP out on Loco records, that’s comprised of 3 original cuts of new age House music.

Opening track ‘Ain’t Nobody’ (not a Chaka Khan sample, guys) kicks of proceedings with chunky drums and oldskool-style percussion that’s very much ‘of the here & now’. It compliments this with a full-bodies Deep House bassline and synth stabs peppered throughout. The reverbed vocal does make the track stand out a bit more as well, and the entire ensemble should appease fans of the W&O Street Tracks contingent.

‘Panic’ is a slightly deeper beast that retains many of the key elements of the first track, but with the focus more on the breakdown. Unfortunately, the looped vocal doesn’t work at all, and the way it’s been staggered so that it doesn’t conform to the 4/4 bar arrangement makes it sound a bit out of place. The “wave your hands in the air” command is also somewhat tired these days, and detracts from what is otherwise a nice set builder.

Thankfully, EP closer ‘Obviousness’ saves the day with a well-crafted chunk of Chicago-influenced Deep House. Perfectly sculpted percussion rides over the top of a rumbling bassline and the track has that MCDE feel that will sound every bit as wonderful in the confines of a cocktail bar, as it would pumping out across a hazy smoke-filled backroom. Classy stuff indeed.

by Andy Howarth

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