ALBUM REVIEW: Tycho 'Dive' out 14 November on Ghostly International

If you like Future Loop Foundation, or you're partial to a sort of chill-wave then Dive is no hard sell. It's simply a sublime set of instrumental tracks that made me yearn to be sitting on a beach watching the sunset - not more so than 'Hours' with a nice cool drink and some well presented, tasty amuse-bouche.

Indeed in a way this album is an amuse-bouche of sorts. It sets the tone and is clearly designed to be listened to before you go out, or at a social gathering of some description where music may not be the main focus of the event but part of a balanced harmony that includes good times, conversation, relaxation and the more than occasional head-nod.

It's not hard to hear why Tycho aka Scott Hansen says that nostalgia is a common thread in his work as I detected a whiff of it whilst listening to 'Daydream', but don't be mislead. This is not retro. It's a thoroughly modern work of art and a perfect accompaniment as the sun sets on another year in paradise.

4/5

CTZN V41N

LISTEN: Tycho - Hours [Dive LP - Nov. 2011] by Tycho

ALBUM REVIEW: The Beekeepers 'Apiculture' out now on Jalapeno

Those of you who were at Glastonbury last year may have been lucky enough to catch the Beekepers debut their 4 deck DJ set. I for one can't wait to catch them live after hearing their stunning debut album.

The Bristol production duo have hit the breaks / chill wave / dubstep nail on the head with an accomplished sound collection that features sublime classical strings and vocals (So Long) juxtaposed with meatier breaks and beats - the Title track 'Apiculture' hiding right at the end of the album is a good example of this.

There are plenty of artists similar in style to The Beekeepers for example Digitonal spring instantaneously to mind but with Apiculture their original style and diverse tastes in all good musical things shines through - check out the build up, and breakdowns in 'Spring Forward' - to leave you awe inspired and, personally somewhat jealous of both their tastes and production talents. To nitpick, personal taste had me skipping through the tracks with the rapping (Queen Bee, Long Way Down) on as I thought the bloke doing the rapping (Mystro) was far from the best in the UK and they could have done better, mentioning no names.

If you like Unkle, DJ Yoda, Digitonal, Chali 2Na, Smith and Mighty, Massive Attack and Jon Hopkins then seriously get this and if you don't like it I'll give you your money back (that's a joke people), but seriously though, what you waiting for? Procure this now!

5/5

CTZN V41N

LISTEN:

ALBUM REVIEW: Ancient Astronauts 'Into Bass And Time' out now on ESL

Starts off slow and you think that they are working up to something special. The beats kick in on the second track 'Still A Soldier' and you are starting to get warm, maybe a bit of a semi or some moistness is starting to develop in the nether regions? Then as quick as a flash the track is gone and it's on to another slow starting hip hop joint featuring Azeem called 'The Shining'. Disappointed massively with that one. Sorry but I am calling this one down the middle despite my mega love of AA. I was still nodding my head but not left with a sense of euphoria, not even close. The next track was another let down in the form of 'Impossible'. Yes for me the title rang true and I was left wondering how this had made the final cut. Mediocrity at it's most 'meh'.

Then the heavenly breakbeats of 'Anti Pop Song' kicks in and makes everything alright again. Truly love this funky breakbeat track to bits. Next a couple of low key tracks before another miss hip hop track called 'Eternal Searching'. Would my search be eternal in the quest to find something truly sumptuous on this tracklist? Tune in next week to find out...

Thankfully 'Calvert Street Rock', 'Give It To You' and some awesome beats on 'Rocket Science' kept things ticking over until my stand out track, tucked in right near the end 'Bitter Hypnotic' blew me away. Great vocals, beats and strings really set this track alight in the best way.

The problem is that AA set the bar so high with the last album 'We Are To Answer'. I guess I was wondering what they would do this time and props for not just churning out a replica. They tried some experimental stuff and some of it was good but some of it didn't work for me. But great musicians always push the envelope to the max and AA have done that again. This is way way above mediocre but I am hoping for something a little less chilled next time. Some energetic joints would be just fine.

4/5

CTZN V41N

VIDEO: Grinny Grandad 'The Good Girl (DJ A- Skillz remix)'

No official video for this gritty A-Skillz Remix so some clever geez made their own from some Breakdancing clips. The result is interesting, not spectacular but worth a look and the remix is top notch which is why we are posting. It's out now on Jam City.

VOTE FOR VAINZINE:

Check out my new 2 Hour Mix. MP3 FREE DOWNLOAD!

Hi,

Hope you are all doing great on this sunny Friday in Paris!

I've just finished my brand new mix. The mix will be featured on Fairtiliser with an interview with me soon. I'll post the link as soon as it's up.

There are four different places to download it from below. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed programming it and mixing it!

I will be doing indie, hip hop, breaks and chill mixes next. I havent decided which one will be first but I'll let you know.

If you would like to book me for an event, party club night or anything else please send me an email. I'm available to DJ anywhere in the world.

Thanks

Blair Vainzine (CTZN V41N)

DOWNLOAD: DJ CTZN V41N April Fairtiliser Mix - From Fairtiliser


Tracklist:

1) Röyksopp 'Happy Up Here (Marching Band Version)' Unknown
2) Friendly Fires 'Paris (Aeroplane Remix)
3) In Flagranti 'She bend each leg alternatly' Codek
4) Serge Santiago 'It's A War (Instrumental Re-Edit) Santiago
5) Alexander Robotnick 'Obsession For The Disco Freaks (HeavyFeet Remix) This Is Music
6) Solid Groove 'This Is Sick' Front Room
7) Ursula 1000 'Zombies (HiJack Remix) Unknown
8) Test Icicles 'What's Your Damage (Alan Braxe & Fred Falke Remix)' Domino
9) Rex The Dog 'Bubblicious (Felix Da Housecat's London Mix)' Hundehaus
10) Ladyhawke 'Back of the van (fred falke remix)' Modular
11) Lykke Li 'Little Bit (Villains Remix)' Unknown
12) Saint Etienne 'Method Of Modern Love (Cola Boy Mix)' Heavenly
13) Michael Woods feat. Inaya Day 'Natural High (Dino Lenny Classic Rave Mix) Nervous
14) Mason 'The Ridge (Oliver Koletzki Remix)' Great Stuff
15) Evil Nine 'Icicles (Unkle Remix)' Marine Parade
16) Miss Kittin & The Hacker 'Suspicious Minds' Nobody's Bizzness
17) Freeland 'Under Control (Alex Metric Mix) Marine Parade
18) Gossip 'Standing In The Way Of Control (Soulwax Nite Version)' Back Yard
19) Example 'Girl Can't Dance (Don Diablo Remix) Unknown
20) MSTRKRFT 'Fist Of God' Dim Mak
21) The Virgins 'Teen Lover (The Shoes Remix) Unknown
22) Klaxons 'As Above, So Below (Justice Remix)' Because
23) Mustard Pimp 'Fresh Prince Of Bel Air ( Mustard Pimp Remix)' Unknown
24) The Kills 'Cheap and Cheerful (SebastiAn Remix)' Domino