Australian outfit Chubby! release their 4th EP with what might be their finest line up yet…
If their output has escaped you so far, Chubby! is one those underground outfits you’ll be more than happy to hear from – as and when they choose to commit to a release. Hailing from Sydney (Australia), they’ve been programming some superb parties over the years, alongside running a top notch podcast series that more recently branched out into an equally excellent label in 2018 – all spearheaded and run by Aaron Andrew.
Immersed deeply in dance music and vinyl culture, his broad ranging musical taste has focused on bridging the deeper ends of Detroit and Chicago with the home grown sounds of Melbourne and other select artists. Whilst also giving a nod to the UK, Berlin and even Brazil. Since its inception, Chubby! has become a trusted imprint and high quality source of deep house, having featured artists such as Ewan Jansen, Trinidadian Deep, Javonntte, Vincent Floyd and Brad P. Their latest edition Vol.4 is their first release since last autumn, and may well be their most audacious yet.
Featuring four fresh cuts alongside an accompanying remix, spread over over two slabs of vinyl. The vision and execution of this double 12” release is nothing short of faultless: inviting Frenchman Aleqs Notal to start proceedings and go ultra-deep with the hypnotic roll of ‘Planetary Insanity’, which is given a fully spaced up revision packed with sparkle and bubbling shimmer courtesy of Life Recorder. Met by the tranquil tones and glassy keys of ‘Agonias’ from Spaniard Jose Rico, he once again impresses in his inimitable style as Irishman Leonid finds a slightly darker mood across his rework.
Fellow Aussie Ewan Jansen also drops by with the synth-laiden chug and funk of ‘Basillica’, that sees the talents of Nottingham supremo Nail on fine form with a bass bumping re-rub. Creating one of the EP’s standout moments as he strips the elements back to a heady fusion that bears more than an echo of Basic Channel and plenty of bottom end.
Last but not least, David Swatten aka Planisphere hits us with the brilliantly blissful, aquatic tones of ‘Wave Energy’ – which is brought together in an even more sumptuous reshape from the one and only John Beltran. As he conjures up just the right amount of shuffle and melancholy for proceedings, it suffices to say Christmas has definitely come early.
