Description

The new What Came First release is from Zaki, an artist some will recognise from his music released on labels including Diynamic and Suara, but many will be familiar with him via “Muak” where he is one the main people behind the brand.

Muak is an event, label and all round House music institute in London’s East End where Zaki is also based. One of the first parties in an area now infamous for House and Techno many living in England’s capital city are familiar with the Muak parties.

Zaki releases most his music through the Muak label, as well as being a main resident at the much famed events, which for their larger parties use EGG for a venue. One of the tracks also features the vocals of Joe Le Groove, who has previously collaborated with artists like tINI and Mark Fanciulli for labels such as Defected and Simma Black.

The releases first track “Lost In A Maze” has a heavy kick and a rumbling bassline that provide a tough foundation over which prominent vocals and melodic pads are layered. The vocal’s spiritual content of being at one with music combined with the uplifting melodies, gives the track an epic sound that’s instantly captivating and tailor made for the club.

Second on the release is “Some Kind Of Feeling” which gets straight down to business with pulsating pads and a timeless lead synth that sounds both warm and familiar. Following the same formula of the first the track, it has a prominent vocal from Joe Le Groove and uplifting pads with just a touch of euphoria. This time powerful and commanding, the vocal provides the perfect party starting element.

Track three “Volume On” is more percussion lead than the previous two with some subtle chanting that gives the track tribal undertones. Uptempo and perfect for the dancefloor, its blend of vocal textures fill the track with energy, whilst the shuffling percussion provides the groove.

Finishing the release is “Lost In A Maze (Toolpella)” which as the title suggests is a DJ friendly acapella featuring the Lost In A Maze vocal, for those who want to get creative and layer it over other beat formation.