Happy Fat Tuesday! Most of us are not in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, so what better way to celebrate the gluttonous (and hedonistic) day than with three new releases from leading labels? Here are some beads: show us your EPs.
Torro Torro – Blue Blouse (T&A Records)
The Toronto-based duo drops an early-2011 anthem: a slab of electro-house goodness, with throwback synth stabs and an addictive sample. The EP features remixes from top producers, who ably capture the spirit of the original without suffocating it. Zombies for Money give the song the tribal treatment and sharpen the edges on the synths (similar to their take on Steve Starks’ “Git Em”). The standout is the ultra-deep, super-funky remix by T&A’s own DJ Ayres.
Deathface – Fall of Man (Trouble & Bass)
Forget bro step. The hardest, most unforgiving sounds in the bass world come from Deathface. Claiming inspiration from influences as diverse as 90s hardcore and Magic the Gathering, Deathface’s follow-up to The Horror is simply brutal – what Al Jourgensen would be making if he was born in the 80s. The EP kicks off with the acid rave of “Bloodrave” and the surging “Fall of Man.” Offered with vocals and as dubs, “Gift of Fury” and “Sick of It” feature new member Adri Law (think Crystal Castles’ Alice Glass) who screeches over the unrelenting tracks.
Toy Selectah – Mex Machine (Mad Decent)
Toy Selectah was making global bass before it was cool (well, cool for bloghaus EDM fans). This Mad Decent EP features eight tracks over a range of sounds, from cumbia to tribal guarachero. Highlights are the jukey raverton of “La Ravertona” and Sheeqo Beat’s 3BallMTY remix of “Sonidero Compay.” The mini-mix is a good taste, but you’re going to want the full entree.
Postcultural 