BEN RAU レコード& CD

Review: Kaoz Theory's Organized Kaos series exists for one reason: to collect together on vinyl previously digital-only gems buried in the label's ever-growing catalogue. Volume two naturally sticks rigidly to this script, first offering up a 2015 cut from Dam Swindle (from the time when they were known as Detroit Swindle) - the chunky, rhythmically elastic and insanely bass-heavy brilliance of soul-flecked gem 'Ballin'. Over on the reverse there's more previously digital-only gold in the shape of Ben Rau's 'Be Who You Want To Be', a driving, thickset and suitably heavy chunk of peak-time deep house heaviness smothered in spacey chords, cut-up vocal snippets and booming TB-303 bass. Two tried and tested cuts land on wax for the first time, what's not to like?

Review: They don't come much more on point and useful for tech house fans than East End Dubs's Eastenderz. It is now well into its second half century of releases and Ben Eau is the man charged with serving up the sounds on this purple and silver splattered vinyl. 'Won't Stop' opens up and is an in form tech roller with dry hits and the sort of tightly programmed beats that dancers latch onto for days. On the flip and as the title suggests, 'Drop The Bass' has some playful bass teases and a more weighty low end while 'I Luv It' completes a trio of top tunes, all with their own character and charms.