The Stolen Collection

“Octave”, from MA1, slides in like chocolate. It’s rich, heavy and decadent. Classic stabs give energy to beautiful pianos, all over a slightly unconventional bassline. The drums are simple but propel you along. It’s Sunday morning bliss, any day of the week. All we’re missing is a bittersweet vocal about love and hope.

Oetker offers the second track, “Dates in Tunisia”, taking us into the shadier side of the vibe set by the first track. More sweetness and catchy melody, but with a focus on drops and bass. The best kind of UK funky vibes abound with simple changes and catchy riffs.

“Caliente”, by Fearz, is carnival through and through, big drums, pan flutes, and pure, hard fun. This is one of those tunes that will get stuck in your head, but you’ll never remember why. These are the grooves I love the best – simple, infectious and wiggle-inducing.

Ali McK & IYZ are a study in consistency with “1, 2, 3, 4”. Their beats are always a little different, which is sometimes needed in a UK funky setting. This drum workout is no exception. Percussive creativity over big belly subs carry the muted chords in a driving way. This is the ultimate drum breakdown. Deliver this after any tune and the crowd will double down, guaranteed.

“Echo Falls” by Fonzo feels the newest. Like most genres grow harder and darker, Echo Falls drives the grinding bass forward, wide and hard before dropping to steppy drums and sub. It’s a return to essentials that precedes a changing landscape.

Doctor Nick is new to me, but I’ve added a stick note to my monitor to follow up. “Mind” climbs in through a window with energy but also space and depth. It creeps along the floor, climbs up your leg and into your ears. It hurts so good. All we’re missing is the obvious, “this won’t hurt… much” sample during the breakdown.

“JAH” from L.R. Groove was the first tune I heard that made me want to write about this EP. When the kick hits, I’m dancing. The bongos drag you ever forward over slinky synth lines and, goddam, that bass. It’s an unbelievable way to end the EP. Huge, perfectly arranged and doubles down just when you want it to.

DJ Stolen collected seven amazing track on this EP that delivers fire.

Posted on July 8, 2019