KATE SIMKO /// KABUKI DROP EP
Chicago DJ/producer Kate Simko has just released a bomber of an EP on London based Leftroom Records. This will be her third release on Matt Tolfrey's label, but Ms. Simko has been putting out deep tunes for years on labels like Spectral Sound and Ghostly International and been in the mix with heavyweights like Seth Troxler, Matthew Dear and Tevo Howard to name a few. So what can we expect from Leftroom and Simko's latest offering? The EP features two originals, a remix, and a dub. The title track, "Kabuki Drop" has big, slinky, and swinging drums that are firmly placed in the low end allowing for some of the snippet-like synth work to really pop out in the composition. The bassline peeps in and out of the tracks in rising pulses so i'm very happy those drums keep the floor pounding throughout. I defo can't wait to hear this one on a proper sound system. L.A. Techno God, John Tejada lends his touch to the remix of "Kabuki Drop" and does so in great form. Tejada's version picks up right away from the more melodic section of the original but has added a much more consistent kick drum track that must be analogue because it stabs through the mix with such a warm pulse that it immediatlely drives you to the dance floor. Acid inspired most definitely. I'm not quite sure which version I prefer. I love them both equally and think the two of them would sound nice in a dj set together. Start with the orignal and then break out into the Tejada remix for added punch. The EP's second cut is titled "Go On Then," and features the sultry vocals of London's Jem Cooke. Much to my pleasure this cut really grooves with it's deep plucking bassline. Combine that with some simple hats and claps and hazey synth strokes all peppered with Jem's vocals and you've got yourself a deeeeep jam. The dub version is just what it sounds like. A dub version. Which is always a great option. Make sure and swing by Beatport to pick up these heaters. Jump in folks the water is warm.
(Editor's Note) Kabuki is a Japanse form of musical theater involving elaborate and vibrant costumes and gestures meant to stimulate both the minds hearts of everyone from the critical to the layperson. I'm not quite sure how Simko chose to title her EP, but if there is one thing in common with her tracks and that style of theater it's that they are both very lush.
