UPFRONTBEATS

Tomoki Tamura’s Holic Trax label has long been renowned as a canny exporter of clued in house and techno. Their latest continues in this regard, as Tamura again calls on a series of renowned label friends to bring the heat. With names such as Mr.G, Satoshi Tommie and Tuccillo all appearing it here alongside Tamura himself, it’s no surprise that this 3 x vinyl record, celebrating 5 years of the label, is filled with drama and high points throughout.

This is immediately obvious from Mr.G’s ‘Soba Shioyaki’. Titled in homage to the label’s Japanese heritage, it’s a dark and dexterous workout that marks another high point in a career filled with big records. Deep but tough, it’s a perfect of why the tech house master is so revered in underground circles. G’s ‘Komorebi’ puts a tough emphasis on the drums, as well as a weaving, subtle baseline that adds a further dynamic to his work here.

HT24 comes from Satoshi Tommiie & Tuccillo, two producers whose sounds are perfectly suited to Holic’s output. Their four-track contribution starts with ‘Do It’, a spiky catchy number that’s exciting from the off. ‘What Row’ sees the boys inject some added funk into the equation, before ‘To Ray’ ups the intensity with a raw, pulverising aesthetic that takes no prisoners. Wrapping up their side of the bargain is the digital only ‘You Know’, a real bumper of a track with Chicago-inspired synth stabs that help bring it to higher planes.

It’s then left to Tamura himself to close the offering via HT25. Opening up the EP is the sounds of the appropriately named ‘5ive Years’. A techno workout that’s notable for its off-kilter motifs and a stubborn, industrial feel, it’s full of glowing vibes that are best suited to the big room. Unforgiving and full of atmosphere, it’s the sign of a producer who clearly knows his way around the mixing deck. ‘Polyphonic Six’ displays the producer’s more introspective sound thanks to a melancholic perspective that’s paired with a fierce kick.

The B-side gets going with ‘U’s Floppy Disk’, a tantalising effort that’s all about the heads down vibes and intricate patterns. Lastly, ‘High Chee’s’ sees Tomoki return to his 90s house roots, as he delivers a slamming house number that’s not dissimilar in stature to vintage Strictly Rhythm and Nu Groove releases. Catchy and featuring a quite brilliant vocal line, it captures the imagination brilliantly and harks back to a more innocent time with some distinction. All things told, this is a wonderfully diverse package from Tamura & co. Here’s to the next 5!

Release Dates:

• July 03 – ht23
• July 10 – ht24
• July 17 – ht25

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