Julio Bashmore

Riff Wrath

Futueboogie

Buy: Juno

There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that 2011 has been an incredible year for Mr. Julio Bashmore. A string of stellar EPs on an array of prolific labels have led to this beautifully filmic piece of house music that closes an equally compelling year for Futureboogie Recordings. ‘Riff Wrath’ is a perfect embodiment of Bashmore’s fluid modern soul and understated drive with a dusty haze of of cosmic strumming.

Ever since ‘Everyone Needs A Theme Tune’ on PMR Records stormed the scene early on in the year, Julio Bashmore has been the name on everyone’s lips and at the forefront of Bristol’s electronic army. An artist who has expertly fused his city’s bass roots with a deep appreciation for the classic house sound, Bashmore consistently imbues his productions with tangible emotion without losing sight of the dancefloor. The notable ‘Batty Knee Dance EP’ on 3024, was followed by Futureboogie’s inaugural release ‘Father Father feat. Javeon McCarthy’ back in April, with a number of stand out remixes for the label as well as the huge remix of ‘Into The Valley’ by Classixx. Bashmore has been an unstoppable force on the global circuit endowing his sets with a vital eclecticism that was recently showcased in his mighty contribution to the ubiquitous Essential Mix series on BBC Radio 1.

A-side ‘Ensnare’ builds from a thumping bass beat and eerie sci-fi atmospherics into a full-on cinematic flight where the glowing embers of deep chords and a propulsive groove collides with the piercing reverb of the harmonized electric guitar, a running theme on the release. Interspersed with the soul-drenched vocal that echoes, “you’re the sweetest song that I could sing” – a hint to retro soul with a true deep house vibe, it’s all underpinned by a current of warm, enveloping bass. The rolling groove and expanding drama of ‘Ensnare’ will enrapture the mind and the feet.

‘Well Wishers’ is the instrumental counterpart with a woozy feel but dramatic impact. Leading with an enchanting top line of twinkling ethereal keys filled with heartfelt warmth, the melody is reinforced by another oscillating guitar riff and set against galloping snares and a glorious arrangement of drum rolls. Both tracks here mark a sublime finish to a year of diverse output from both artist and label with a distinct air of nostalgia and fantasy.