Artist: Downtown Trouble
Title: We Ain’t Playin’
Label: Apollo Music Group
Release Date: 17 February 2017
Format: Digital
CAT#: APL12
Tracklist
01. A Sides
02. B Sides
03. Free Your Mind
Apollo Music Group is an audio venture between Chicago’s Dan X, DJ Heather and Bristol’s Lil’ Mark. Many will recognise DJ Heather from her seminal Fabric 21 mix CD and OM Records compilations. Dan and Mark also come with a proven musical pedigree with releases on labels like Classic, Hot Trax and Music For Freaks.
The label owners ear for quality runs through the veins of the Apollo Music Group and the label has been supported by everyone from The Black Madonna to Davide Squillace and Hot Since 82.
Along with music from the label owners themselves, previous releases have featured established artists such as Hector Moralez, Luke Solomon, Justin Harris, Rob Mello, Alinka and Mikey V. Not scared to break new talent, the label has also signed a number of debut releases from new artists.
This release presents the debut from Downtown Trouble, which is the new production alias from Jorge Watts and Daniel Treloar, who individually have featured on labels including Relief plus Beatdown, and along with years of DJ experience have had tracks included on Defected compilations mixed by the likes of Derrick Carter.
“A Sides” has a straight up four to the floor house groove, fused with a rising bassline and melodic pads that combine with euphoric synth flutters to form the tracks foundation until the main breakdown. Introduced by claps and a startling effect sweep, the main break presents a twisted vocal chant and a menacing bassline which dramatically changes the mood. Peak time and very much a game of two halves, this techy little number is a perfect set building tool or standalone track.
“B Sides” is centred around a raw sounding bass that provides the track’s main driving force. Stripped back percussion lead by crisp claps gives a smooth contrast with the distorted bass. Modulation keeps your ear firmly tuned in and provides the movement needed to keep the energy flowing. Short vocal samples bounce around the mix and provide the final touch of chic this little number needs.
“Free You Mind” finishes the release with a jacking rhythm and conga hits that are well placed and timed to perfection. Lead by a familiar vocal sample, which Sci-Fi fans will recognise from the Matrix film series, the track has just a touch of acid in the lead synth, where off beat stabs add urgency to the groove. Timeless and slick, this track is the most laid back on the release, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less club focused.