UPFRONTBEATS

Back in June 2016, Riva Starr first appeared on Moon Harbour with a raw remix of Paul C & Paolo Martini’s ‘Rotation’, which turned out to be a track that quickly found its way into some key DJ bags and stood out in myriad sets this summer. Now the Italian house talent is back to make his full debut with a solo EP entitled It Is True that is packed with real dance floor heat.

Riva Starr burst onto the scene in 2010 with a playful and off-kilter house sound full of curious samples and kinked grooves. Since then he has solidified his singular style with three studio albums and 30 odd EPs on labels like Defected, Dirtybird and Casual. Of course, he also heads up his own Snatch! Records, which has become a bastion of big tunes thanks to his expert A&R.

Up first here, the title track features acclaimed Manchester vocalist and producer DNCN, and is the sort of full fat and bouncy tech cut that keeps clubs locked to the dance floor. Cavernous bass loops and upright drums are joined by his tender male vocals and they add some truly heartfelt emotion to Starr’s irresistible groove.

The excellent ‘Akitune’ is more direct, with a punchy drum line keeping you on your toes as synths ride up the scale in playful fashion. Always taking you higher, there is an inherent sense of tension that builds and builds without ever releasing, and for that reason this one is sure to prove irresistible to dancers and DJs alike. A shorter DJ Tool edit is also included and features some percolating synths, woozy chords and reversed vocal sounds that will bring a real sense of craziness to any set.

This EP manages to be to the point and effective without sacrificing any of Riva Starr’s textbook production charm.

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