DJ SONIKKU Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Tony Donson unveiled his DJ Sonikku project earlier this year, delivering an impeccable EP of humid deep house for Lobster Theremin offshoot Distant Hawaii. All My Friends sees him transfer to the crustacean-themed parent label, in the process adding a little more analogue crunch to his previously dreamy productions. There's much to admire, from the Bobby 'O' inspired high-energy cheeriness of opener "Chemical Plant", to the proto-house melodiousness of "Sand Oasis". Best of all, though, is "Track 3", a wonky, back-to-basics bumper that takes a left-of-centre approach to classic New Jersey garage.

Review: Lobster Theremin's Distant Hawaii offshoot, launched earlier this year with a fine EP from Hidden Spheres, seems to have been designed to offer a colourful, vibrant alternative to its' parent label's dystopian techno. Certainly, the bubbly and deliciously positive fare served up here by debutant Tony "DJ Sonikku" Donson perfectly fits the bill. Apparently it was partly created using a Sega Megadrive, and there's definitely a 16-bit feel to the whistle-happy percussion, drawn-out chords and cheery melodies of "Secret Island". The other two tracks are equally Balearic in outlook, variously utilizing sampled slap-bass notes, synthesized steel drum melodies, classic New Jersey organs, and eyes-closed solos in a bid to squeeze maximum sun-drenched positivity from each moment.