Young London imprint Soul Quest Records, launched just last year by producer Max Sinàl alongside friends Michael Mead and Leon Sweeney, has been making some impressive moves in a very short space of time. With a soulful, warm music policy and great artwork, the imprint has already showcased some of the underground scene’s stalwarts like Manoo and Coflo alongside relatively unknown “in-house” talent. What really struck me about the label’s first few releases was the excellent musicianship on display, and fantastic vocal performances from several artists I’d not previously heard of. A great introduction to the joys of Soul Quest is this 5 track vinyl sampler, entitled Quest One.
Anyone who’s ever driven into London with a radio in their car will know about the city’s incredible diverse and unique pirate scene, which has always been known to produce some of the best DJs in the country. Reading the notes that accompany this EP, I wasn’t surprised to see that Max Sinàl cut his teeth on those unforgiving airwaves 25 years ago. The clandestine, underground feel of the music, the slightest hints of UK garage hidden among the jazz licks, the sheer uncompromising quality… it all makes sense.
Quest One ranges from the languid, smokey, bluesy feel of “Let Your Hair Down” by label founder Max Sinàl and rising vocal and piano talent Hutch the Great (whose contribution really conjours magic here), to the more “classic” ’90s soulful house sounds of “So Long” by 2fox with Liam Bailey & BB James, showcasing a talented crew of friends and music-makers on the rise, doing things the right way.
⚪️ Quest One Tracklisting
V/A: Quest One (Soul Quest Records / 12" Vinyl)
1. Max Sinàl: Let Your Hair Down Ft Hutch The Great (06:14)
2. Max Sinàl: Let You In Ft Hutch The Great & Melodi Marsh (07:04)
3. KingCrowney x Zoe Kypri: Coat On (Slxm Sol Remix) (05:18)
4. 2fox: So Long Ft Liam Bailey & BB James (Original Mix) (04:23)
5. Max Sinàl: Waiting Ft Bianca Nieddu (05:26)
⚪️ Disclosure Statement
This record was submitted as a promo.
5 Mag Issue 217
Out Now
HOUSE OF FOUK: Originally published in 5 Mag Issue #217 featuring Dutch deep house DJ and production duo Fouk, Paris Cesvette, Azaad, Thando and more. Become a member for $2/month and get every issue in your inbox right now…
