ARK TO ASHES 商品一覧

ドバイ・アンダーグラウンド・シーンを牽引してきた SHADI MEGALLAAが放つディープ・アブストラクトハウス『SPIRITS OF THE DEEP』!ハウス~テクノを軸に、あらゆる電子音楽の深淵を探求してきた彼が、自身のレコードショップ「The Flip Side」を拠点に築いてきたドバイのアンダーグラウンド・サウンドを濃縮!(以下レーベル・インフォメーション)Representing the spirit of the underground in Dubai, Shadi Megallaa is a multifaceted music lover whose unwavering passion for music permeates throughout all of his endeavours. A pioneer of Dubai’s electronic music culture, Shadi’s roots lie with the foundations of modern day electronica: all shades of house, techno and beyond. His commitment to preserving and evolving the culture is inherent in his record shop, The Flip Side, which has been intrinsic to the growth and development of music culture in Dubai. As a DJ and producer he draws on a multitude of experience, diverse taste and a refined ear that has instilled the ability to craft compelling productions. On Spirits Of The Deep we find Shadi exploring the deeper side of electronic music, creating layers of vibration designed to immerse the listener in layers of positive vibration. As prescribed by Shadi himself, we start the traditional way, with Side B (the info side), where ‘Microgravity’ transports us into the cosmos. Soothing sonics envelop a taut low end with crisp percussion and swathes of pad work cultivating an interstellar atmosphere. Subtly shifting layers keep you locked into a groove, as the track maintains its energetic pulse. The synth lines increase with intensity midway through, adding more potency. Across almost nine minutes Shadi takes us on an excursion beyond the stars… This is followed by ‘G-Dub’, a smooth jazz-inflected piece full of soul nourishing goodness. Intuitive drum programming with a groove-laced low end form the propulsive backbone of this track. The dreamlike melodic elements are almost transcendent in their illuminating impact. With all of its elements combined, ‘G-Dub’ is a glorious foray into the depths of true deep house. Shadi keeps things interesting throughout, adding and subtracting layers to complement the pace. Those hi-hats and intermittent cymbal crashes are especially impactful. A delight. On the flip we have ‘Pressure’, where Shadi’s UK breaks influence comes through. A characterful vocal sample features throughout the intro before we enter a world of unusual sounds. The beats are, once again, impeccably executed, accompanied by a dubby bassline and an ever-evolving cacophony of squelchy sounds and chirps. Running at just over 9 ½ minutes, ‘Pressure’ sees Shadi flexing his creative muscles with a heady, expansive composition that invites us on a deep musical trip. Finally, ‘The Poet’ closes out the EP on an emotive tip. The track is dedicated to the Palestinian poet and activist Refaat Alareer, who was killed during an airstrike on Gaza in December 2023. It utilises Refaat’s powerful poem If I Must Die, with the spinetingling words taking centre stage, as Shadi’s beats, bass and bright pads provide the backdrop. A piano-led melody appears in the latter part of the track, amplifying its emotionally-charged atmosphere. A wonderfully imagined homage to a martyr for peace. As the samples state, Let it bring hope… 

VILLALOBOSがエンジニアで参加していた、JAY HAZEによる2000年台初頭のエキスペリメンタル・ダブ・アンビエント名義、DUB SURGEON!当時二人で録音されたものの火災によりマスターテープが消失してしまい、そのままこの世から消え去ってしまったかに思えた楽曲群が奇跡の発掘。JAN JELINEKとECHOSPACE、RHYTHM & SOUNDをつなぐ淡いエレクトロニカとダブの時代。UAEのドバイとNYCブルックリンを拠点に運営されている〈ARK TO ASHES〉より。

LEE "SCRATCH" PERRYの"Black Ark"スタジオ焼失('79)にインスパイアされて設立に至ったブルックリンの注目新興ダブハウス・レーベル"Ark To Ashes"の第二弾! レーベルの中核となるSHADI MEGALLAに、TAIMUR AGHAとFAHAD HAIDERの両名を加えたトリオ・ユニット。淡い色調でじっくりとグルーヴするディープなダビー・ハウスを3楽曲収録。