After making an inconspicuous entrance onto the scene only a month ago, Sanguina Records is already turning the heads of discerning listeners. And rightly so. Vinyl-only, 180g, hand drawn, hand stamped, is a sure fire way to win our affection from the outset.
Of course, a vision like this must be matched with music of equal calibre. This challenge has been left in the capable hands of Basel-based label head Michel Degen. For the Swiss imprint’s debut 12”, Degen has curated an impressive V/A featuring the productions of himself, And.re, Mikhu, Kepler., and Drea.
Our premiere takes the A1, the hypnotic ‘Quiet Storm’ by And.re and Michel Degen. It’s a thought-provoking track with gorgeous melodies and slow, swingy Romanian vibes. Key-led tensions ebb and flow in this multi-layered cut, as each element effortlessly drives the track forward. With a kick that comes and goes, it becomes impossible not to get swept up in the track’s mind-melting loops. On the A2 is Mikhu’s ‘Sorry’, a groovier affair, with a teasing, wistful vocal. The tracks emotive effect is reminiscent of when Patagonia’s ‘Chi Ci Pensa’ tugged at our heartstrings, but with a more melancholic flavour, fitting for the winter months.
Flip it over to the B2, where Kepler. indulges his signature punchy flavour in ‘ELP’. Zappy hats and full bodied kicks intoxicate in this techier number. Rounding off the four-tracker, is Drea with ‘Timestein’: a clubby body-mover, with a deep bass and hallucinogenic vocal. All four tracks move beyond the functional, offering listeners an intense journey that is perfect for dancefloor debauchery.
This corner of the minimal genre sets the bar high. The upper echelons of vinyl-only royalty are incredibly tough to break into. But, if Sanguina’s flawless artistic vision and killer maiden release are anything to go by, the label can expect big things.
Keep your eyes on the Sanguina page for more release info, this one will go fast!
