Mark Ambrose collaborates with Serious Cut on the ‘Star System’ EP
UK producer and DJ Mark Ambrose has been locked into the sound of House music since the 80s, leaning towards the Chicago and Detroit perspective first and foremost. He is also known under the name Skymaster… a heavier Techno style project.
Part of the school and lineage of UK artists who went on to make a firm impression and footprint in the ground that inhabits the space between House and Techno, where you’ll find the likes of Steve O’Sullivan, Josh Brent, Circulation, Swayzak, Silverlining, Mr C and more. After finding love for playing around with Synthesizers, Samplers and Drum machines as the 90s progressed, he went on to producing his own music.
In 1997, Mark started his own label Crayon and as they say, the rest is history. The label has held it’s own amongst selectors and collectors over the past few decades. Having come back into focus over the last few years with Mark’s output steadily increasing since 2014 (we’re pleased to say).
On his latest EP ‘Star System’, he teams up with Serious Cut to forge 3 hefty slices of fizzing robo-funk that launch you into the ether with real panache. Kicking off with the precision engineered electro groove of A1 ‘Reflections’, the team opens up on a deep tip. Measured ice-cold drums snap to the beat, machine-like vocals pop out to be answered with splashings of dubbed-out chords and fx, filling the spaces in between. As the workout gets deeper into the groove, filtered chords hang in the air, interspersed with Mini Moog bass notes to add an additional notch of funk. Followed by ‘Star System’ on A2, the team ratchets up the energy with a rolling break, 808 rim shots and pulsating bass drum to propel you forward. As things gather a head of steam, shimmering stab layers take hold and weave their spell. Minimal elements used to maximal effect, this powerful concoction does not hold back.
Ending on the spatial and slightly more serene notes of ‘Space Time’ on the B-Side, the team cut loose on a deep house tip, filled with widescreen pads and lighter mood that is replete with cosmic twinklings that suit late nights or the sunrise. As with a lot of Amrose’s work, this is slow burn material that warrants attention and well chosen programming to reap the full effect – you will not be disappointed though.
