UPFRONTBEATS

Culprit dives headfirst into the summer with the label debut by the exciting Signal Flow duo. Spread between five accomplished tracks, the release’s infectious energy and verve are primed for the warm weather dancefloors.

‘City Livin” is three originals of authentic style and distinct personality featuring two outstanding guest vocalists and complemented by a pair of excellent remixes. Signal Flow is Michael Tello and Ray Zuniga. Whilst currently calling Brooklyn home, their strong California roots and a connection to Culprit are of particular pride and consequence for the Los Angeles-based imprint. Circa 2010, as Michael Tello was forming the much-admired PillowTalk in San Francisco, Ray Zuniga was becoming a regular in the LA scene that took hold around Culprit’s vaunted rooftop parties. Fast-forward a few of years, old friends Tello and Zuniga combined to form Signal Flow.

‘City Livin” is pure expression of Signal Flow’s US dance music origins and influences. Crisp and to-the-point percussion, clean bassline hooks with the very welcome under-current of acid get that special touch that comes with memorable original vocals. San Francisco’s own (now Berlin-based) Kevin Knapp lends his talents to the summer anthem-to-be ‘What u Gonna Do’. Gustaph of Hercules and Love Affair comes in for a duet with Michael Tello himself, on ‘Livin’ Off The Wall’. Signal Flow then completely rework ‘What U Gonna Do’ for a proper deep acid workout.