Martin Garrix said from the start that STMPD RCRDS would be a label characterised by its diversity and freedom from genre constraints. He’s stayed true to this word, and after releasing everything from big room house to hip-hop to electronic pop, he now brings the label into the world of house and tech with this impressive 3-track EP from New York’s Codes.
“The EP came to fruition after an instagram conversation with the label” he explains, “then a couple weeks of a non stop studio session making some feel good left field house music. The idea behind the EP is creating a powerful yet euphoric vibe to light up any party or club around the globe.”
Title track Pleasure is a techno-influenced stomper, all punchy, tight beats and hollow bass tones. Pitched down vocals increase the moody feel with sub bass drops and a frenzied breakdown adding clout. Hyped-up FX and atonal rhythmic elements add more manic energy.
Reality Music is a seriously cool slab of gently pumping, relentless rolling deep house. Deliciously warm sub bass underpins the shuffling, percolating beat with a sparse arrangement led by hazy, resampled chords that recall early ‘intelligent’ jungle. Indeed more jungle references abound in the breakbeat-filled breakdown. Little else is needed to make this classy track bang: just some subtle variation and little vocal snippets. It recalls Dusky’s more housey material of days gone by.
Tap That Ass is built around a snazzy rave stab melodies and incessantly undulating sub bass, weaving their way round thumping kicks and spicy hats. Sirens whirr in the background, the saucy vocals shimmer through stereo delays and reverbs, and the whole affair is a pleasingly maniacal romp.
Codes recently gatecrashed the Beatport House Top 10 with his SOS EP. A tour accompanies the release of this EP, kicking off in Montreal at Newspeak on December 15. On the evidence of this EP, he’s clearly a producer who can master any genre he puts his hands to. With Tommie Sunshine stating the EP is ‘SOLID’ and Anna Lunoe saying it’s ‘awesome’, the EP is off to a good start.
Codes ‘Pleasure EP’ is released on December 1 via STMPD RCRDS.
Listen/Stream here:
https://stmpdrcrds.lnk.to/q7si
