New Leeds-based label Wash Records heads to Bandcamp with a four-track EP from Dustin Bones.
The illusive collective behind Wash Records has slithered into the mix with a series of thoughtful posts on their Instagram, highlighting influences from the past and present of dance music. Heavily inspired by the Leeds history steeped in tech-house, there is a unique combination of motives for the project stemming from 90s prog, house and UK Garage movements.
Rough and ready drum-machine beats create an infectious groove carrying that effortless bounce found in a lot of tech-house gems. Labels like Wiggle and Pagan paved the way for this heads-down, groove-led vibe. The energy in the premiered ‘Fandango’ nods to influence from the likes of Terry Francis and Housey Doingz from back then; no-frills, infectious music for the club.
Grooves steadily build over a patient six-minute duration, encouraging the special hypnotic state that often occurs with this stream of loopy and lean beats. Gentle synth melodies add a layer of depth and emotion whilst the massive sub-bass takes full control of the groove.
You can picture an array of DJs playing this track, dipping into deep atmospheres whilst keeping the house peak-time vibe. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Dyed Soundorom spinning this subtle gem, just as much as more hefty hitters like Craig Richards. The EP has already received heavy support from Leeds legend and long-time Mint resident Bobby O’Donnell.
The EP weaves through a series of varied flavours, channelling a big UK Garage vibe with skippy drums and zingy hi-hats in ‘Magic Carpet’. There’s an interesting fusion of minimal, tech-house and garage which is making for an array of interesting producers in contemporary circles.
‘Captain’s Log’ meanders through a more melodic vibe with subtle grooves and a touch of playfulness, whilst ‘Chapman’s Choice’ stinks of lively Leeds energy on the flip. Sweating, head down at the front with a can of Red Stripe. The city’s energy seeps through into the tracks, with close ties to venues like Mint Club who have been pushing this sound for decades.
The vision behind Wash Records is for sure an interesting one to watch, with little information about the minds behind the project, we can be sure there’s more to come.
Buy the full EP at Bandcamp.
More info on Wash Records
Bandcamp | Instagram
