“The Beat,” on SLABS, from Azaad. That should be enough to cause the ultra-sensitive antenna of the degenerate crate digger to twitch but if you need some more prodding, I’ll bait the hook:
“The Beat” is the A side track of Azaad’s new EP, the second cut on a new label called SLABS. To sketch out the family tree a little further: SLABS is a sub-label of Dungeon Meat, which is presided over by Brawther and Tristan da Cunha. And Azaad is from London, and he makes tracks like a man aware that his lifetime is just a blink on the geological time scale and it might end tomorrow. “The Beat” starts with the gas pedal nailed to the floor and it doesn’t slow down: a noddy snake-y bassline, vocal clips intertwined and brassy hi hats that jack for days make for a highly flammable garagey deep house bomb.
There’s no let up on the B-side with “The Return,” which is cut out of the same cloth. Getting doubles of this 12″ is probably going to be impossible — just try to get one copy and enjoy one of the best tracks of the year.
⚪️ SLABS 002 Tracklisting
Azaad: SLABS 002 (SLABS / 12" Vinyl only)
A1. "The Beat" (5:12)
B1. "The Return" (5:38)
⚪️ Disclosure Statement
This record was submitted as a promo.
⚪️ Previous Coverage
🎧 Mixes: Brawther mixes vol 1 of Sanctify, 5 Mag’s new Deep House series
❇ Cover Story: Brawther on the Start of the End (2021)
✳ New Music: Brawther anchors the debut V/A from new label Interweaved (2022)
✳ New Music: Brawther returns to Cabinet with the exquisite The Driver (2021)
❇ Features: Brawther: Transient States (2018)
5 Mag Issue 215
Out Now
LOVE IS THE MESSAGE: This was originally published in 5 Mag Issue #216 featuring Andy Compton of the Rurals on 50 albums and 25 years of Peng, Ralph Session cover mix, Chicago’s Noble Square Records’ deep house love affair and more. Become a member for $2/month and get every issue in your inbox right away!
