Contributing Writer
Established in 2019, over the past few years Fresh Take Records has built an impressive catalogue of releases that champion sounds ranging from groove-led, organic house to thumping club-ready electro and soaring, broken-beat rave anthems. Though the tones may shift – sometimes wildly – from one release to the next, the quality of their output never wavers, establishing Fresh Take as one of the most reliable underground dance labels in the UK.
Their first release of 2022 sees them launch their new vinyl series with Fresh Wax 001: a phenomenal collections of tracks, many of which come from artists who have been involved with the label since day one, including Easy Peelers.
Easy Peelers an Irish DJ / Producer duo with a passion for house music and a keen interest in all electronic genres who draw specific influence from classic deep house and the new wave of European minimal.
Their track For The Record is smooth deep house in the vein of seminal artists like Mood II Swing, with its swung hats and chugging bassline taking centre stage.
With the release landing 18 February, Easy Peelers have selected some of their all-time favourite club-ready cuts.
Mother Earth (Hoff’s Optimistic House Edit) – Cultured Pearls
Todd Terry also has a nice remix of this track, but Hoff’s edit clinches it for us. The crunchy, heavily swung drums give it that undeniable 90s Garage feel, and how about that piano solo around 6 mins in?! Feel good house!
Expand – Ben Rau
Rau’s INKAL/META imprints have churned out many’s a peak time roller, but this one is a personal favourite. The deep, tribal drum/bass combo is offset nicely by haunting pads and sporadic piano lines, with the clever vocal chops adding another layer of mystery to this hypnotic track.
Chad Brothers – Frits Wentink & DJ BORING
Two of the best in the business teamed up on this one, and what a result it was. The quirky, swinging synths and percussion are perfectly paired with a simple, driving bassline and chopped samples to produce a sound that is utterly unique, and utterly brilliant.
Marvin – KiCkS
KiCkS has been producing airy, dancefloor-driven deep house for a while now and has a few great tracks to his name, but his Space Opera EP on DJ Steaw’s legendary Rutilance label from 2020 is his piece de resistance. His signature big-room synth sound pairs up with a pumping bassline and well sourced vocal sample to produce a classic.
Teach Me, Keep Me – Chez Damier
A personal favourite from the vast catalogue of the Chicago giant, this beautiful track is a journey from start to finish. The gentle chord stabs and shuffling drums have your feet moving long before the bass arrives 90 seconds in, and the arrangement holds the ear right til the last beat. One for the sunrise sets!
Theme – Two Armadillos
A hypnotic, peak time locked groove. Has a bit of a sinister vibe with the repetition throughout that really sucks you in. The simple one word vocal sample that dips in and out brings so much.
We have a deep appreciation for these style tracks as to take something so simple and keep it interesting for 7 minutes takes serious skill.
Lovelee Dae – Blaze
One that every one knows but for all the right reasons. This quintessential classic is feel good deep house with Soulful vocals, beautiful pads, filtered stabs and a constant catchy little riff.
Instantly makes you crave a good summer festival.
People like this – Sakro
This ones the definition of a roller! Perfect for the dark sweaty rooms. This is the kind of sound we knew existed for a long time but didn’t know where to find it. It’s got a fat subby rolling bassline, crispy drums, and deep stabs ! The all round feel to this is bossy and obnoxious, guaranteed to do damage on the dance floor.
Step Han – Djoko
Incredibly difficult to pick a favourite Djoko track but its got to be this one, also released on our cherished ‘Rutilance’. Its a high energy, playful banger with a driving m1 bassline. Encapsulates the sound of the new wave of European house with a nod to the oldskool stuff!
Zenith- Janeret
There aren’t many producers out there with a signature sound like Janeret. Deep, sophisticated and slick pads and stabs, a pulsating bassline and clean cut minimal drums. This track has a cosmic, spacey feel to it. Ethereal deep house at it’s best.