Jay Haze - I Wait For You EP

, - on 4/11/10

Jay Haze
I Wait For You
CONTEXTERRIOR

When you see the names Jay Haze & Ricardo Villalobos on an EP there’s no question its worth, at least, giving it a listen. When both artists are synonymous with forward thinking productions and both are skilled craftsmen in the studio, more often than not it’s going to be something of high quality. Their latest on Contexterrior is just that.

The EP's title track features the hypnotizing vocals of Laila Tov who appeared on last years Fuckpony LP. It opens with a warm melodic synth, some lo-fi noise and a twisted acid line that quickly creeps in setting a melancholy yet optimistic tone, something that remains throughout. As the percussion builds, a killer groove is established which weaves its way in and out of the synths. Tov’s vocals add a mysterious Latin vibe to the track and work beautifully off the other elements, accentuating the eerie breakdowns and adding tension to build ups.

Uplifting and powerful, I Wait For You highlights Jay Haze class when it comes to making music that sounds right on the floor, at home and in headphones.

It's on the flip Haze teams up with Ricardo. As previous output has shown the pair have a strong connection in the studio and this latest offering indicates their creative chemistry is showing no signs of running low.

The result of an unplanned late night studio session, The Darkest Disco is just what it says, dark. At 12 minutes this brooding epic is one to get lost in. Layers of lush Detroitesque synths and a growling bassline, create a hazy, captivating feel. Percussion aplenty, the track ebbs and flows with drawn out breakdowns that build up taking new directions in typical Villalobos fashion.

It certainly takes a few listens to fully appreciate, but then you wouldn’t expect anything else coming from this duo. Warm, dubby, intelligent and sonically impressive it’s one for heads and late night dance floors. It’s easily as inspiring as previous output and will resonate with fans of Perlon and BPitch alike.

Haze, Villalobos and Contexterrior on point again. A refreshing release from two artists at the top of their game, on a label at the forefront of underground techno.

Ben Coates