UPFRONTBEATS

Michael James debuts on Infuse to open the New Year, delivering three original productions in the form of his ‘Fat Earth’ EP.

A surging name within the scene, Manchester’s Michael James is quickly becoming a staple name in the record bags of some of the biggest names in the game following an impressive string of releases via the likes of Constant Sound and sub-imprint Constant Black, Mulen Records and Hoarder. Taking inspiration from artists including Ricardo Villalobos and Zip through to Raresh, Rhadoo and Barac, the blossoming producer, DJ and digger has forged a sound combining his own take on house, minimal and dub techno ‘ resulting in appearances at the likes of fabric (London), S.A.S.H (Sydney) and DC-10 (Ibiza), not to mention his long-standing residency at The Zoo Project. Opening 2020, here we see James’ latest effort as he touches down on FUSE sister label Infuse to reveal the infectious three-track ‘Fat Earth’ EP.

Title cut ‘Fat Earth’ opens proceedings in slick fashion, fusing skipping hats and evolving electronics amongst swinging rhythms, whilst ‘O.H. Groove’ ups the energy as rumbling low-ends and slinking percussion licks go to work revealing a lively effort perfect for the peak time or the after-hours. Last up, ‘Guidance’ sees out the package as tripped out vocal snippets interject amongst sweeping synths and rich drum shots, rounding out an impressive label debut from the blossoming UK talent.

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