#21 Feat. Hype in Indie Dance

Niv Ast is an artist who very much operates out of the box. His work on Correspondant, Optimo, Disco Halal, Watergate Records and Get Physical - as well as his work via his own label Band Apart - is bold, line-blurring club gear making him a perfect candidate for an Exploited Club release. Niv Ast is inspired by the psychedelic waves of acid, the attitude of the punk-rock and the light headed groove of disco. His music is regularly played by DJ Tennis, Jennifer Cardini, Polo & Pan among others. He has performed alongside Tale Of Us, Seth Troxler, Amelie Lens, Blond:ish and many more. Tainted In The Sun kicks things off with a Manchester chorus beaming out over stroppy power chords and a throbbing kick. Progress marches on, gathering colour as it blooms into a synth-driven haze adorned with brass flashes, spiralling sequences and a straight-talking snare. The vibe is heady, infectious and a touch subversive - a slice of euphoric recall for anyone who barely remembers the 90s. Dont Belong follows up with an Indie-Italo hybrid. Tough, muscular drums anchor the groove while a flexible synth line gently pulls things astray. Clever sequencing has the track swelling in layers as a brooding intensity builds up towards a bridge of darting strobes. The refrain drives back in, hooking the listener back in and capping off a boisterous pastiche; one that strums a certain nostalgic chord whilst also presenting something fresh and novel.

Niv Ast

#52 Feat. Hype in Indie Dance

Ukranian producer Komilev is warmly welcomed back to Exploited Club, following records on Disco Halal, Watergate Records and Frau Blau with an assortment of classy dance music. Title track 'Falling For You' opens up with tumbling pianos, pin-prick hats and a well-rounded low end. Vacuum synths and a jagged bass line pave the way for an amorous vocal that generates a cogent force - one that really dials in that Panaorama vibe packed with effervescent drama, soul and sass. Aptly titled 'Crisp' follows up with a memorable trip. Neat, clean drums land with airy accuracy while synth-pop chords shimmer. Tripped out vocals churn in circles like mangled memories while a simple, effective bass line pins down a tool-like groove. 'No Sleep' then instantly captures a certain guttural ecstasy; a sense of joyful nervousness. The top end of the track is decorative and delicate with signals scattered to all corners while a irresistible melody steadily build towards the sort of breakdown that has you squeezing strangers. What breaks out is sheer, giddy bliss before 'This Is Your Out' rolls out a rude and classy mood. A tightly-woven break smacks of attitude, continuing to roll while the track journeys through a series of chapters. Percussive breaks and vocal snap shots work in tandem before an organ gently ripples in sending shivers down the spine capping off a well crafted and versatile record.

Komilev