Corey Maass
Bass music producer as Secret Agent Gel, enthusiast, and writer – UK Funky, Afrohouse, Global bass, & Tribal beats.
Gag Reflex – Sisphyean Rhythms EP
Starting an EP with a 50-second scream is a bold move!
Omina – Habitat / Chaser
This dark-yet-colorful EP leaves me wanting more atmosphere, more mayhem, more colors from Omina.
Ian DPM – Plenty Of Nothing
The sense of sway doubles with the metallic acid line that ties the tune together. I only caught the classic vocal stabs, the 32s of house hats, and the underground lake of bass on my 4th listen.
Syn – Temper
It’s a whole different way of painting a soundscape, and she accomplishes it to great effect.
Daze Prism – Brizili EP
The pieces come together, and again there’s a feeling like the nice guy you just met at the coffee shop will save you when the apocalypse hits. Do not underestimate the resources that lie within.
PIHMS – Shoulder Season
Hats and noise sweeps slide by, like dry ice. I love the tension in this as it continually approaches and then recedes.
Tony Quattro – Unguard
They live in the mud under the porch. They came from the same womb, but something went horribly wrong. Drums roll eerily, flies buzz almost melodically, and the once warm and inviting bass is somehow now terrifying.
Nan Kolè x DJ Tess – Homemade Ep
Simple melodies leave the beats space to breathe, ironically leaving me breathless with switchbacks, subtle pattern changes, and detailed reverb creating just enough depth.
DJ Doraemon – African Voices
Soupy reverbed-out spaces and voices make you take off your headphones to make sure no one is talking to you.
African Imperial Wizard – Cetshwayo KaMpande
The EP moves slowly out of darkness into light, with marching snares and swelling tones. The people come together, chanting away evil, and overcome the wicked and vile.
TC4 – Grooves
Corey uses TC4’s excellent “Grooves” EP to wax nostalgic about garage in the early 200s. It’s a great EP.
DJ Icebox & Happysoul – Molecules EP
The momentum of the bubbly riff is countered only by the steppy African beats and occasional sweep to mark time.