OMAR S レコード& CD

Review: New Year, same old Omar S - turning out the top quality tunes on a regular basis, all with his own unique sonic imprint but always with a fresh twist each time. This first outing of 2024 on his own FXHE opens up with 'Life Force' which pairs Smith's unique drum sounds - brushed metal, scruffy, raw - with his super sweet synths that always bring the warmth and soul. 'All The Little Hand's Around' is another metallic sound tech house cut with celebratory chord loops up top and well-treated samples, then 'Evil J' shuts down with rasping basslines and glistening 80s keys. Another fine 12" from the Detroit don.

Review: Enduring Detroit maverick Omar-S celebrates 20 years since he released one of his most iconic 12"s by pressing it up as a new double pack with two new versions of two originals and one bonus unnamed track. The standouts of this EP were always 'U' and 'Set It Out'. The former is a raw as-you-like drum track with bounce in the kicks and pure machine soul in the vamping chords, and the latter shows Smith's other more tender side with smart 80s samples and new school r&b vibe on a dusty house beat. He has mashed them together perfectly on the new cut 'U Set It Out' and added extra weight to 'U 2023.' Add in the other two originals and heavy beatdown 'Track 3' and you have an essential new double pack.