Ian Blevins & Al Gobi – ‘Flapjacks’ EP [Futureboogie]

Ian Blevins takes to the helm of the third release of 2015 for Bristol-based imprint Futureboogie.

With Lonely Boy and PBR Streetgang & X-Press 2 impressing with dazzling releases, the responsibility falls on the highly-respected Ibiza resident to deliver quality consistency for the label under his own name alongside Phil Moody as Al Gobi. Blevins follows up his thumping 2014 power house release on Keep It Zen Records with the Flapjacks EP, where a more mature sound captivates the dancefloor.

Where Are My Flapjacks and Tribu 2 both feature unique, finely crafted repetitive synth lines, with the former taking the deep approach. It’s captivating pads and warming bassline act in the background while the lead riff works with delicately with emerging melodies and chilling percussion. The latter however is much more driving, taking a retro approach with bright orchestra synthesis injecting variations over the full-bodied electro riff.

The two tracks resulting from Ian’s collaboration with Phil Moody are seemingly a median of the A and B. The deep lead on Cold Springs may take full focus, but beaming pads and a whimsical arpeggiator make the track fanciful. It’s appropriately seasonal, giving off mental images of emerging life with an on-going transition from darker to brighter days. Similarly 35k is in that transitional stage of combining deep synthesis with brighter backings. Rigid percussion and uplifting pads give the track an old school flavour, making this one feel not just like an appropriate way to end an EP but a full on DJ set.

Flapjacks is not just a fitting addition into the Futureboogie catalogue, it’s also a coming-of-age for Ian Blevins as a producer. The well-established DJ looks set to build on his reputation with this release and take his career to a whole new level.

Words @diegetics

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