TJAQU kick starts a new label, ‘Ten’, focusing on crisp and hypnotic club music pressed on 10-inch vinyl.
Born from the newly founded ‘Tanzform’ by DJ Tjizza and Shaque, the project is geared towards a more responsible, 360 degree approach towards music, fashion and community inclusivity. The majority of products are made from 100% left-over fabrics which they have self sourced. Read more about the project in our recent feature with the founders.
Inspired by the transformative experiences associated with club culture and drawn from the German word for dancing (Tanzen), Tanzform focuses on the lessons buried in dance floor therapy, learning about society by encountering different (sub)cultures and people. This sense of curiosity and appreciation comes through in the music. Warm, delicate and explorative.
Two deep and hypnotic tracks from the new TJAQU alias shape their first release, exploring dreamy and pensive atmospheres ‘meant for DJs who like to encompass a story with their sets’, to quote the label. Little information is released about the alias – likely a collaborative project from artists close to the Tanzform project. Many of the extended crew are involved in projects like Mood Waves, Truffle101 and Partisan.
‘Madagascan Vanilla’ is our pick for this premiere, a sleek, housey track which walks the line between menacing and luscious energies with a tasteful charm. Clever synth work shapes an unpredictable bassline, weaving neatly between slick percussion with a nod to UK garage through it’s snappy snares and sleazy vibe.
Dreamscapes soon come front and centre when a sea of airy pads wash into the mix, caressing the beat with a cosy touch, whilst conversing with subtle synth melodies glossing in and out of the mix. Sounds slip in and out with an effortless charm, steadily building as the arrangement unfolds.
‘Velorean’ brings a more tripped-out vibe to the B-side, flexing neat drum machine rhythms against eerie chords and a nimble acid bass. Both tunes are packed with character, brimming with intrigue whilst keeping eyes very much on the dance floor. It’s a confident approach pressing only one track to each side of a record, and both tracks fit the bill entirely.
Buy the record direct from Tanzform.
More info on Tanzform
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