Arkist / Rendezvous b/w Fill Your Coffee
Vinyl / Digital
Apple Pips / Released July 2011
What does it sound like?
Arkist might be a little less well known than the label carrying this release, but regardless there has been a steadily growing legion of appreciators that have cottoned on to the Bristolian’s rather pleasing sound- not least crowds in the US (where he has toured already), Fabric, Mr Scruff, Ben UFO, Alexander Nut, and Scuba (what with Hotflush prepping his next release).
Testimonials to one side both tunes provide plenty worth talking about musically too. There’s a decent amount of cross-pollination going on, and while it’s not groundbreaking in a techno-thrash metal hybrid way, what the West Country man has done is take a little of what makes the smoother end of Britain’s urban-leaning genres, and create a whole that makes sense, and sounds impressive.
Deep baritone club vocals, a tribal 2-step rhythm, and delicate details define Rendezvous, a soulful workout that’s timely given the current garage resurgence in the UK, and the commercial and critical success of James Blake and How To Dress Well respectively. In contrast if track one was dancefloor fare then the second outing, Fill Your Coffee, is more aimed at the lounge. Dubstep tinged downtempo beats underpin a whirring, analogue medley of key changing organs while the pitter patter of synths infects the high end, and the bassline brings in a slice of e-funk, which is pretty enjoyable too.
Where would I dance to it?
Unquestionably one for the ‘UK Bass’ brigade.
What highlights can I expect to hear?
Rendezvous, if for no other reason than the nostalgic opening that should have a few hands reaching for the ceiling.
Why should I pay for it?
An A and B that offer quality in their own way is not something to be sniffed at (or stolen).
Where can I buy it?