A reviewer on Discogs calls Robert Grillo aka Tony Washington “one of the best producers to make way too little music” and isn’t that the God’s honest truth? The producer had a few aliases but is best known for both the 1999 album Primordial Passage on Peacefrog and this record released under the name “Underground Evolution.” Released on Brighton-based label Ugly Music, “Walk On Water” has an insanely tight vibe with a chintzy cosmic blast, like old sci-fi movies or Unarius recruiting videos that still get you a little contact high. The big deal here is the title track, “Soul Searcher”: 11 minutes on the flip in a total reconstruction in the key of soul by Joe Claussell. These two tracks — one psychedelic and electronic, another jazzy and organic — make a strange pairing but it fits a strange record and a strange label.

Which, to step on the big news, is back from the great warehouse in the sky: Ugly Music has returned and is releasing treasures like this as well as new records from some old friends. This is about as auspicious of a (new) beginning as any label can have.

Underground Evolution: Soul Searcher (Ugly Music / March 2021 / 12″ Vinyl/Digital)
1. Underground Evolution: Soul Searcher (Joe Claussell Remix) (11:15)
2. Underground Evolution: Walk on Water (Remastered) (08:10)

⚪️ Disclosure Statement: This record was submitted as a promo by Hype Filter.

 

 

This was originally published in 5 Mag issue 188: Rising with South African duo Black Motion, Chicago’s Dance Loud, Detroit vocalist Nikki O, Angel Moraes & more. Support 5 Mag by becoming a member for just $1 per issue.

 

 

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