Serge Devant - This Moment (CRM168)

The magic of music is how it can enchant you after just moments of listening. As the summer draws to an end Serge Devant returns once more to Damian Lazarus's Crosstown Rebels with a release that does just that. Creating two original tracks and bringing Dinky and NU onboard for remixes, we are reminded of his prominent position within Dance Music.

"It's taken some time for this moment to see the light of day...nearly year and half, but it's probably the most anticipated record yet. Ever since Damian put it on his Essential Mix a year ago, every other day someone would ask when it's out. Well the wait is finally over and the moment is here. Enjoy!" Serge Devant.

Opening up the EP with "This Moment", Devant has created a track that implores the listener to stop and take in all the vibrations, effects and melodies. This is a piece of music that intricately weaves together a hefty bass, curious sounds and an effective hom. Pay close attention to 'In Time' and you will be absorbed once more in an enchanting world where all you can do is follow the rhythm of the drums. Devant continues to tirelessly build on his status with releases on Emerald City, Rebellion and Knee Deep In Sound whilst also covering the globe with his touring schedule.

Dinky adds her signature vocals, synths and an incredibly pleasing warmth to her remix of 'This Moment'. German DJ and producer NU also rises to the remix duty as here he creates an almost unrecognizable version of 'This Moment', but one that fits perfectly, as images of heady Bedouin nights are conjured and dance before your eyes. An affiliate of Acid Pauli, NU will once more return to Crosstown Rebels next year when the pivotal 'Man O To' is re-released.

Tracklist;

1. This Moment

2. In Time

3. This Moment (Dinky Dub Remix)

4. This Moment (NU Remix)

Released: 14/10/2016

Cat#: CRM168

Distribution: Above Board

LINK TO THE TRACKS

Amirali - In Time (CRMCD017)

How do you follow up a year of delivering some of the best music on the planet? Find some thats even better. Crosstown Rebels do it again and discover a true talent in Amirali unleashing his longplayer ‘in Time’ as their first entry into 2012.

Amirali goes beyond your average dance music producer. A musician at heart, every instrument heard on ‘In Time’ was played by the Iranian-come-Canadian producer. He shapes his songs in mysterious patterns and subtly hypnotises with his dexterity. The album passes swiftly and stops time in its path, leaving a deep longing to hear it again and yearning to unravel its secrets

Amirali’s voice is mysterious and evocative, a futuristic hybrid of indie idols (think a sombre Ian Brown or intoxicated Radiohead) while tainted with the auras of favourite 80s synth heroes Depeche Mode amidst the current energy of dance enigmas Art Department and Underworld. Forging a strong element of surprise in his tactics, he takes a bold course, daring to create subtle complexities in house music.

The pensive buds of ‘The Harmonious Song’ softly open this quiet masterpiece. Tinkering on weightless pads, Amirali expresses a need to be taken seriously. In ‘Missing’ he spins out swirls of instrumentation and throbbing basslines while his singing curls and smoulders within its light textures.

‘Just An Illusion’ skips with the heartbeat of house music as Amirali fiirts with a higher tempo. But soon enough ‘Painting On A Canvas’ and its successor ‘Last Words’ revives the buoyant space of before, sketching bright skies and pregnant moods within Amirali’s sunken gothic bells, charged guitar strums and reflective keys.

Other highlights in Amirali’s maiden voyage include his first single, ‘Beautiful World’, unleashed on Lazarus’ own Crosstown Rebels label in early 2012. A pop-infused bomb that captivated the dancefloor, it was an apt introduction for this multifaceted talent and powerful signal of the swells and surges of ‘In Time’ and of the great new talent in our midst.

“Making this album was a period of self discovery in which I got to know myself aa deeper level. ´In Time´, the year and a half journey into an experimentation of myself and my sound consists of 13 tracks. Each track has a different story to tell and is a reflection of my past. It’s the most honest and personal I have ever been with my music, like I´m giving a part of my soul to the listener. I hope they enjoy.” Amirali 2012

Damian Lazarus has a sharp ear and talent for A&R and he illustrates this with great clarity through his latest introduction. He went on a scouting mission for something more alternative for the label, and uncovered the Iranian music maker. Amirali’s heritage from Iran hangs heavy in the atmospheres of ‘In Time’ but Toronto is where he evoked the spirits of dance music into his style. Currently residing in London, Amirali will tour his new and exclusive live set this year to mark the launch of the album including vocals, live keys and a visual exploration into his weird and wonderful mind.

Following a year that the label was crowned the leader of the pack, spawning albums from the biggest artists of the year such as Art Department, Deniz Kurtel and Maceo Plex and coming top of the charts in many end of year charts, Crosstown Rebels dare to introduce another raw talent with unique dimensions. Later this year they have aligned new album material from their homegrown team including Resident Advisor’s no 1 DJ of the year, Jamie Jones, Maceo Plex plus new collaborations and signings Fur Coat, Mother Of Seven and more.

Label: Crosstown Rebels

Cat no: CRMCD017

Web: www.crosstownrebels.com

Distribution: Above Board Distribution

Released: Mon May 14th, 2012

TRACKLIST:

01. The Harmonious Song
02. Missing
03. Just an Illusion
04. Painting on a Canvas
05. Last Words
06. Midnight Train
07. My Way
08. Beautiful World
09. Whisper
10. No Doubt
11. Hear Me
12. Story of Us
13. The Sounds of My Life

LINK TO THE TRACKS