Artist: Michel de Hey & Rauwkost
Title: Julienzzz / Gibsome
Label: Bedrock Digital
Cat No: BEDDIGI50
Release: June 9th 2014
Bedrocks’ sub-label reaches a milestone with their 50th release and let’s loose a Dutch assault in the shape of a double header from Michel de Hey and Rauwkost. De Hey needs no introductions having shaped the tech-house scene with his productions and Dj skills over the years and is widely regarded as being an integral part of the techno scene’s furniture and here we see him hook up with fellow compatriot Floris Regoort.
The first cut is “Julienzzz” which is a soft and timid affair. Tech house beats are the order of the day as the mood takes form with a catchy, funk edged twist provided by some light-edged layered stabs. There’s subtle dark undertones as airy effected sounds lead into the tracks true form – an unfolding , slightly kooky arp begins to enforce a darker , eclectic wash over the track. The production is clean and crisp making it the perfect kind of track to have some fun and adventure with rather than just play out.
Ramon Tapia is in control for the first of two remixes. Here we’re treated to a more heads-down , keep it on the dance floor vibe as he plays with the originals parts , subtly introducing them into the mix but letting a more inquisitive bassline do the work . The whole track has a housier flavour which probably makes it ideal for early on in a set however pitched up and layered with a couple of cuts it’s the bassline that’s going to do the damage!
Italy’s Paolo Martini & Paul C are on rear guard and whip “Julienzzz” into a ticking tale with a more structured flow that gets the foot tapping and develops its message with dropouts and fades. It’s a solid tech-house number that could have played more on the tribal-esque percussion that lurks underneath.
Last up and probably the favourite track in this release is “Gibsome”. It’s wholesome, oozes charisma for its entirety, and plays on a funky-tech groove together with an enticing eastern flavour. There’s a rich tapestry of sounds that pop out throughout the track from spatial fx to a piano line to synth tweaks that could almost be mistaken for flute’s and triangles. Each listen to this track brings something new and it’s flavour will take you off centre if it’s a change of direction in a set you need .
It’s a good release from Michel De Hey & Rauwkost but head straight for “Gibsome” as it provides the more unique effect.