Various Artists
Murmur Presents Nofitstate
(Murmur Records)
murmurrecords.com
If you decide to prep for Ultra Week by listening to only one compilation album of contemporary underground house, then make it Murmur Presents Nofitstate. With almost thirty tracks spanning two discs, this record offers as robust a cross-section of sounds from the transatlantic scene as you'll need.
The first disc is a collection of current and upcoming releases, curated and blended with seamless precision by Murmur label chief and acclaimed DJ-producer Geddes.
The emphasis is on quality song-oriented vocal jams rather than tedious floor tools. And there are more than a few serious standouts. Among them: Steffi's utterly gorgeous "Reasons" featuring Virginia, Zev's dreamy rework of seductive vocal ballad "Vibe Your Love" by Maceo Plex, and the delectably deep and moody "Going Back" by James What. But there's also plenty of more goodies by the likes of Lewie Day, Ooft!, Deniz Kurtel, Delano Smith, and Lawrence vs. Seth Troxler.
The second disc, meanwhile, offers an exclusive live mix from tech-house sensation Tom Demac, full of engaging new original material. And while this collection takes a more downtempo melodic approach to his usual floor-smashing percussive style, it maintains the same bravado and fluid intensity. It's a sonic kaleidoscope of soulful vintage vocals flecked with strains of funk, rhythm and blues, and the most classic aspects of Detroit techno and deep house. It is a masterful effort that's sure to position Demac among the current scene's top producers.
Murmur Presents Nofitstate is out on March 14 and you can get it at the murmur label's website.
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