Machinedrum - Only One (ft. Angelica Bess)

Whether it's rain or shine where you are, it's sure to be a gloriously good morning thanks to sublime new Machinedrum. "Only One," the first single from forthcoming Psyconia, "a six-song exploration of the unbounded ideas found while experiencing creative flow," is so inextricably linked to that final word: flow. Not only does Machinedrum's brilliant breakbeat cascade captivatingly atop the groovy jazz bed, but the same can be said for Angelica Bess' breathless vocals that tumble, ebb and flow fabulously. Much like his remix of GoGo Penguin, Machinedrum's musical abilities are on full display here as he divines a delightfully addictive electro-organic combo. A fetching fever-dream, "Only You" is at times electrifying and exhilarating, and others, simple, stripped-down sublime (see the sections starting at 1:56 and 2:54). Let this polished, playful and all together potent pairing, "Only You," speak to your soul below, and get it now with a pre-order of Psyconia, which drops September 10th on Ninja Tune, here.

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TSHA ft. Trio Da Kali - Demba (Demi Riquísimo Remix)

Woman of the moment, TSHA just keeps turning heads. Recently named one of BBC Radio 1's Future Artists, the London-based producer just launched her debut Essential Mix there Friday, while scoring an inspired remix from Demi Riquísimo on Ninja Tune today. While I'll admit it took me to near the midway mark of her Essential Mix to really get it in the groove, it took no time at all for Riquísimo's resplendent remix to colour me captivated.

Making masterful use of TSHA's trademark percussion and Trio Da Kali's killer vocals, the Detroit-raised producer brings both a new groovy bassline and an extra acid odyssey. Now stretching over seven minutes and sporting a more club-focused feel, "Demba" delivers dance-worthy energy in droves, especially as the bristling bassline, gliding guitar, punchy percussion, and strident synths come together in the extended groove sections. Like an electronic jam band, this remix is more than progressive and playful enough for me to just sit back and listen in awe. The same can be said for the second half of her Essential Mix, especially the section starting with Prospa's "Voyage." And this is where I reveal that half of my decision to write about this "Demba" remix is an excuse to share her Essential Mix.

Less than a handful of the 31 tracks played in the mix have been released, making the two-hour trip all kinds of exclusive. I listened to it on my bike ride yesterday and cannot wait for the next opportunity to get lost in its incredible allure. There's just so much to like about TSHA's blending of more typical organic instrumentation and acid-etched, technologically-driven club type tracks. And this remix of "Demba" is a prime example of that, in one wicked and warm package. Stream Demi Riquísimo's remix below, get it from your favourite outlet here and check out her exceptional Essential Mix now, here.

TSHA · Demba (Demi Riquísimo Remix) [feat. Trio Da Kali]

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Bicep - Apricots

After sharing ray of sunshine "Atlas" in the darkness that was the early days of COVID, the Bicep boys are back with the second single from just-announced album Isles. Due out January 22nd on Ninja Tune, the new 10 track sophomore saga is set to feature more original vocals than ever before as well as a deeper dive into the duo's diverse inspirations.

Today's single, "Apricots" features two vocal samples, one from a Malawian folk group and another from the Bulgarian State Choir, both exceptionally placed amidst the duo's sublime synths. Having begun as an ambient, beatless piece (which may very well have been excellent by itself), the thumping kick drum, slick snare clicks and otherwise mostly subtle percussion provide a brilliant backbone for the fluttering synths and ethereal atmosphere. While it doesn't deliver the same bewitching breaks as either "Glue" or "Atlas," there is no shortage of seduction in "Apricots" whose warmth and alchemy is undeniable, especially in the fabulous final flourish starting at about 3:15.

Serene and spellbinding, get "Apricots" now with pre-order here and take the experience up a notch with the accompanying music video from BAFTA-winning director Mark Jenkin, here.

BICEP · BICEP | APRICOTS

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TSHA - Sister

London talent TSHA's circle continues to grow. Her bandwagon keeps filling with early support from Pete Tong and plenty of online/print publications. Her reach still stretches further with remixes for Lianne La Havas and Foals. And, over the course of lockdown, she gained a sister. Just as the two "got on straight away," TSHA seems to have struck instant inspiration from the feeling of family expansion.

"Sister," the lead track from forthcoming Flowers EP, showcases the stunning beauty and warmth of life that TSHA has quickly cultivated as her trademark. Digging into her expansive bag of tricks, the London based producer delivers a constantly evolving work with the piano, percussion, guitar, synths and even acid all leading the track in different directions. While the mixture of these elements could be chaotic, and at times borders on it, TSHA successfully swirls them together in sublime synchronicity. At the centre of this captivating moving picture, the vocals of "Sister" almost emanate from the growth and interaction of the elements, reaching their peak after each fulsome mix. An engrossing journey and uplifting, energizing experience, "Sister" can be yours now with pre-order of Flowers via Bandcamp.

TSHA · Sister

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Bicep - Aura

Belfast boys, Bicep have finally broken their silence, and in a big way at that. For months more than a year now, fans have been living off live versions of a particular unreleased Bicep record, anxiously wringing their hands in hopes of getting a full version of the mysterious magic. One of the first videos appeared nearly a year ago to the day, when they closed their Parklife set with the track in question (watch here). But no longer are us die-hard fans relegated to relive brilliant Bicep sets through video recordings, as the track now has a name and is officially released today. Get "Aura" here.If you weren't familiar with the unreleased demo version of "Aura" that Bicep have been playing out, it shouldn't take long for you to enjoy the stream above and bask in its dreamlike demeanor. In typical fashion, Andy and Matt have laid down a brilliant bed, on which their unparalleled playful progression can bounce along as freely as a child frolics in the summer sun. Their build is always big and bold, but never bulky or immobile. They always carefully tread the line between a knock you off your feet, wall of sound and feather-like tickling of your senses. And that's the true genius of Bicep, perhaps best on display here with "Aura," although I'll always hold a special spot in my heart for their remix of Brassica "Tears I Can Afford."

As if getting our hands on "Aura" weren't enough, there's also a 12" mix available today, and with this release comes the announcement of their debut full length album. The eponymous 12 track LP is set to drop September 1st via Ninja Tune, with "Aura" in place as the concluding capstone (pre-order here). Along with the album announcement, Bicep are headed on tour. See if they're in your city here.

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