Real Deal Records to release posthumous Andy Panayi EP.
Three solo cuts from the Alien Recordings co-founder form the EP, recorded in the early 2000s.
The UK veteran sadly passed away at the back end of September. Known for the highly influential label, as well as producing in collaborative projects A² and The Stopouts, Panayi’s contributions to dance music date back to the early 90s.
Real Deal Records have formed an identity around unearthing forgotten gems of the UK tech-house era. Each release has featured early pioneers of the genre, presenting previously unreleased DAT tapes from Adam Collins, Len Lewis and Rob Pearson.
‘Pleasure’ nails both the label’s vision and the spirit of this period to a tee. Funky percussive work forms around a brooding bassline towing the synergetic line between house and techno. Atmospheres emit the sweaty, heads down vibe of a techno rave, yet are loaded with a playful, positive energy drawn from house.
Rhythms are tight and muscular, similar to the more fierce vibe heard in the A² works, bringing a welcome contrast to the bed of warm, hopeful synths drifting overhead. This impressive disparity between dark and light is present throughout the record.
‘Elemental’ ventures down a more lively route, boasting a slick bassline loaded with the same soulful attitude. The low end of each track is packed with punch, carrying a raw, gritty character common with much of this early, machine produced music.
Andy Panayi concludes the EP with a blissful, end-of-night calibre cut. Tender strings sing at the back of another buoyant bassline, pinned around a more progressive arrangement. ‘Making Waves’ feels somehow filled with a sense of gratitude and appreciation, produced at a time when the Alien Recordings label was in full flow.
Profits from REAL004 will be donated to The Peace Hospice in Watford. The record is a celebration of Andy Panayi’s life and musical legacy.
Buy the record at the label’s Bandcamp.
More info on Alien Recordings
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More info on Real Deal Records
Facebook | Soundcloud | Bandcamp | Discogs
