- A new Sydney label has emerged from the inner western suburbs, along with a new artist, Mr Spin. Cheeky Frequency Recordings is Mr Spin’s output for his own compositions and he’s released a little 4-tracker EP encompassing tech-house, breakbeat and even drum’n’bass.
Side A1. The Love
The Love is a very melodic tech-house tune, using a piano sample, which feels like its been sampled from a classic house anthem (Stardust maybe?), through most of the track. Should have been used far less though as it gets a little monotonous having to hear it over and over again. The high end is a lot louder than the bass; so this tune may be a little harsh on sensitive ears after a while, it’s best to turn it down a little.
Side A2. Micronical
Moving onto drum’n’bass with this tune. It’s got an interesting bass line – quite melodic for a drum’n’bass tune, with plenty of variations involved. It also features plenty of tech elements cut up through out, and a nice electro cowbell like stab. Not bad!
Side B1. Bug Funk
Bug Funk sits on top of an 80’s styled electro groove – electroclash maybe? Like the other tunes, it’s very melodic and uses a lot of synth variations and tech stabs, however it can get a little repetitive as well with the rhythm.
Side B2. Numbane with Jay Rayner
Numbane is an industrial track, and it’s a little harsh on the ears and head. Not really too sure where this track is headed.
Overall, this is an OK release. One thing about the vinyl is that the sound quality varies greatly from each track, ie one tune might be loud on the treble and soft on the bass, then the next is required to have the EQ’s turned all the way up to be heard. It would have been better to get a 2 track vinyl EP pressed instead of a 4 track, as the quality tends to be a lot better.
It’s good to see an independent Sydney artist get out there, make his own tunes, start up his own record label and get his tracks pressed up on vinyl. Maybe the best option is to stick to one or two styles of music and pull out an awesome tune, than going all over the place and making some average/OK tracks, however if this is the attitude that some locals are representing towards the local dance music scene, then we may be in for some interesting releases in the coming years.