After the success of London based outfit Untold Stories’ debut record, they return to business with their second VA. Exhibiting all the same standards when it comes to sound quality and curation, they hit the nail on the head again with a diverse clutch of tracks from Anton (Antraum) & Raphael Scemama, Nesta, Rhythms of Prescott, co-founders Axel S & Sonus, and Luigi Sambuy.
Having nurtured a family orientated approach to their label setup, the team at Untold Stories welcome back Raphael Scemama to the fold and this time he has teamed up with Anton of Antraum fame. The resulting collaboration has produced “Spooky”, a slinky rub of the classic Dusty Springfield track that takes all the magic from the original and adds in dancefloor nous that has become the calling card of both of these rising stars. Skipping hats, perfectly re-sampling, and percussion all work together to add a sparkle that will surely find its way into the finest record bags.
Side A maintains this upbeat pressure with the next track from Lebanon hit maker Nesta, and after his A1 track helping to launch the label he doesn’t disappoint. “How Many Pills” moves at a quick pace but not at the detriment of the funk that Nesta is so well known for. Smart vocal sampling really helps to inject energy here and with the acid synth having an impact there is plenty to get your teeth into here.
Flipping over and there are a few label debuts of note. First of all, London favourite Rhythms of Prescott impresses with “Back Roads Avoidance Scheme” and his tech house roots shine through in the crispy percussion and tom heavy percussion. Lush atmospherics sweep through the track carrying with it a vintage sound footprint that recalls moments of 90s Ibiza and London mixed into one compact package.
Next is ravey curveball “How Do you Know” and co-founders Axel S and Carl have really knocked it out the park here. Breakbeats and rave synth stabs take center stage alongside a vocoded vocal posing an age old question. This is answered impeccably with a firm groove and bassline that leaves no stone unturned on the dancefloor.
Completing this sterling package is another debut, this time from Luigi Sambuy and the closing moment of 002 is just as action packed as the rest of the release. A filtering 303 line takes charge of the track from the outset, but soon adds breakbeats and a deep bassline that maintains the energy built up through the track and ultimately the EP.
You can pre-order UNTLD002 now from Yoyaku.
This EP could not have dropped at a better time as Untold Stories now build up to their first ADE event aboard the 50 Hertz club train. Tickets for their huge collab event with Swiss crew keepitgoing. Have also just dropped and you can grab your tickets via TROI.
More info on Anton
Instagram | Soundcloud | Discogs
More info on Raphael Scemama
Instagram | Facebook | RA | Soundcloud | Bandcamp | Discogs
More info on Untold Stories
Instagram | RA | Bandcamp
