Aus Music Schallplatten & CDs

Review: By now, we should all know what to expect from Belfast boys Bicep, namely formidable dancefloor fare variously influenced by bumpin' US garage and vintage Italian house. This two-tracker for Aus is, though, a little different. For starters, lead cut "Circles" bites classic Detroit techno, adding woozy, picturesque electronic melodies to a typically in-your-face techno groove (check the relentless scymbals for proof of the track's Motor City credentials). "Track 2" is a deeper proposition, but no less fluid. Like its predecessor, it's more musically rich and enveloping than many of their tough, stripped-back productions. It's an intriguing new direction, and proves once and for all they're no "one trick" ponies.

Review: Londoner Otik has been about for a long while now, but his Aus Music debut signals some serious tack-change when it comes to putting true respect on the name of an artist who deserves it. 'Xoul Trap' not only references a Skyrim game mechanic, but delivers four Uk-funky-ish dream-heaters to either quench or ignite the soul, depending on one's inclinations in the dance. The haunting vocal chops and thunderous kicks of the title track, the shuffling chords and speaker-rattling subs of 'Temptress', the washed-out synthesis and pumping 4/4 of 'Inertia,' and the shimmering UK Funky inspo of 'Unorthodox' render this a solid top-up to the rep of UK dance music on the international stage.