The ‘Annunaki’ EP, by rising Italian star, Toche, was released recently by Talk Musique, a New York-based label headed up by Lenny Lorenzo Lorenzi, AKA Lenny Soprano.
The four-track EP showcases the accomplished work of a 21-year-old producer who, despite his young age, already counts releases on a number of respected labels including OFF Records and Phil Weeks’ Robsoul Recordings. Alongside the title track, the EP features a second original cut entitled ‘Nibiru’. Choice remixes come courtesy of Mr. Deka and Eddie Hu, respectively.
The original mix of ‘Annunaki ‘sets the tone with a summertime vibe that defines the EP as a whole. Centred around a smooth male vocal and rising piano riff, ‘Annunaki’ is certain to find its way into the sets of many a house honcho this season, whether airing on Ibizan terraces or festivals across Europe. The laid-back groove has just enough poke to get the dancefloor moving, but not too much energy that the emotion of the vocal is lost.
With previous smash releases on heavyweight Italian label, Moan, Mr. Deka has a gained a reputation as something of a club hit machine. Teasing the vocal and chopping up the groove, Mr. Deka, or Mike Savidi to his friends, applies a slightly more stripped-back mix that canters around the solid rhythm of a rolling snare.
‘Nibru’ is summertime house at its best with warm pads that breathe through the rise and fall of a sweeping filter. The looped male vocal hum and high pitched stab combine with a flowing rhythm that gently sways in the mix. This cut would be equally at home providing the perfect soundtrack to a BBQ on a sunny day as it would heating up the dancefloor of a sweaty club.
Eddie Hu keeps all the key elements from the original mix of ‘Nibru’, but replaces the sequenced drums with busy tribal percussion, giving the track a more energetic rework that should appeal to DJs looking for a summery vibe but with a little more bite.
The ‘Annunaki’ EP is yet another solid release from Talk Musique which, although established less than three years ago, already boasts an impressive roster of artists including Darius Syrossian, Leon and Anthea, to name just a few. With regular support and tracks charted by the likes of Miss Jools and Nicole Moudaber, this is a label with a reputation that belies its age.
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