Monosoul – June

Label: Smile for a WhileScore: 7/10  

German label Smile For A While build on their steady start to life here with a glittering 4-tracker that comes at us from Monosoul. Whereas their first few EPs kept matters steady rather than wholly spectacular, this one is arguably their finest release to date, as the Frankfurt label introduces us to the sensual sounds of Monosoul.

The title track, in original form, is first to come out of the blocks. ‘’June’’ is a really spirited and nimble effort, with a zippy, solid bassline that grows in stature the longer the track is drawn out. Hypnotic and enticing, it’s the sort of warm track that – much as its title suggests – helps us yearn for the start of the summer.

It’s ‘’New World’’, however, (Monosoul’s collaboration with Johannes Albert) that really captures our attention here. A thorough house workout, its analogue prowess is there for all to see thanks to its canny percussion and grainy sounds. ‘’Face Shift’’ follows a similar path, with the emphasis on the bassline this time. Lastly, Borrowed Identity – a man on to a really good thing right now – summons up a remix of June. His remix is draped in good times aplenty, as he pairs a discerning beat with a smidgen of melody that keeps us guessing from the offset. A muscular and robust house workout of a real charming persuasion, this EP will likely keep us smiling for some time yet.