DJ Earl - New Dimensions

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  • Footwork creeps into Canada with Philthtrax, a self-proclaimed "hybrid" label. Its first release comes from DJ Earl and Heavey Dee, two of the peripheral personalities in Chicago's Teklife crew. Echoing Teklife kingpin Rashad's always-evolving sound, the two tracks here are smooth, well-produced and draped in synths—a far cry from Earl's "Hit Da Bootz" back in 2011. "Now Breakk," a solo effort from Earl, makes jungle its chief concern, juggling breaks above a calm surf of synths that smacks of '80s funk. Prodded forward by a prudent bassline, it feels soft and hard all at once, the impact of its speedy breaks cushioned by the brilliant textural work around it. It's given a near-symphonic makeover by Russian producer Beardus, who splits it into several sections. Starting out sexier and slow-paced, it slips into a trap breakdown and then lets the jungle breaks come flying back for a spirited finale. The EP is rounded off with the Heavey D-assisted "Moodrinng," which, at a brisk 150 BPM, is still a tad slower than its counterpart. The duo use the extra space to pack on the dreamy synths and twinkly little accents, countering the rhythm with some well-placed woodblocks—it's footwork like you've never heard before, and it's drop-dead gorgeous.
  • Tracklist
      01. Now Breakk 02. Moodrinng feat. Heavee D 03. Now Breakk (Beardus Remix)
RA