Faith Beat Germany Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Mehdi M's latest EP finds him expertly blending house, techno and bass-driven rhythms into one tight package. While the title might suggest a singular focus, each track on this release demonstrates the breadth of his sonic toolkit. The opener, 'Funky Mission,' kicks things off with a tight house groove, where punchy kicks and sharp snares form a solid foundation, while the high-pitched synth melody gradually builds to an energising peak. It's a fresh, feel-good start. On 'Sunday Service,' the vibe shiftsideep basslines rumble beneath a hypnotic rhythm, pulling the track into a more atmospheric space without losing energy. 'Funky Version' brings back a sense of playfulness, with bouncy bass and tight percussion, driving the track forward while keeping the mood light and funky. 'Tare Mode' stands out with its relentless grooveialmost hypnotic in its repetition, the bassline is starker, a steady pulse that forces the track into full-on motion. Closing things out, 'Ritmics' offers a complex, rhythmic journey, with intricate percussion and shifting textures that ensure the EP finishes as strong as it began.

Review: Having spent the formative years of his career delivering dusty deep house cuts and hazy techno jams as Samuel, Sam Smith has really hit his stride since donning the Ploy alias at the tail end of the last decade. Here he takes time out from releasing on his own Deaf Test imprint and pal Batu's Timedance outlet to deliver his first outing on Ryan Elliot's Faith Beat imprint. He begins in full-throttle, UKG-influenced mode on 'Flirt' - all warped bass, skippy drums and glassy-eyed musical motifs - before opting for a more bumpin', sample-heavy sound on the sweat-soaked joy of 'Woman (Thank You)'. Over on the flip, Smith charges between the big room, Junior Vasquez-influenced tribal house heaviness of 'Love Song', the shoulder-swinging UKG flex of 'I Need You', and the immersive dark house psychedelia of 'Prayer Hands'.