Label: This And That Lab
Artist: Ray Okpara
Title: For Those Who Know EP
Release Date: Friday 23 November 2018
Format: Digital
CAT#: TNT036
01. For Those Who Know
02. For Those Who Know (Davide Squillace Remix)
03. Off To The Mix
This And That Lab is the label project of Davide Squillace who features a remix on the new EP alongside original tracks from Ray Okpara.
Making his label debut, Ray Okpara is one of Germany’s finest producers known for his stripped back sound which has featured on other labels such Akbal Music, Mobilee, Tenampa, Saved Records and his own AMA Recordings.
Ray has Nigerian roots and cultural influences that have helped build up the rhythmic textures his tracks are famed for. He is also a skilled DJ having proved himself alongside the likes of Johnny D and Nick Curly when the trio shared a prestigious residency at the RAJO club night in Mannheim.
Label boss Davide Squillace has a back catalogue of releases including many of the world’s best known labels ranging from Richie Hawtin’s Minus through to Crosstown Rebels, which recently put out his debut album. Also famed for his Circo Loco residency at DC10 in Ibiza, he is a regular feature on This And That Lab, and continues his hands on approach to running the label with this exceptional remix.
“For Those Who Know” opens the EP with its rippling pads and a captivating vocal about the passage of time. Blending deep atmosphere with ambient effects, the stripped back percussion provides the framework that gives this understated track the rigid foundation needed for the dance floor.
Second is Davide Squillace’s remix of “For Those Who Know” which is a darker take on the original. Looping a short section of the vocal and twisting the sound, he keeps the original’s funk but also adds a new jerking lead sound playing intense melody stabs.
Finishing the EP is “Off To The Mix” which is trademark of Ray Okpara’s style. It has ticking off beat percussion blended as part of a tribal rhythm, and letting the percussion take control, the textured pads create soothing tones. Subtle bursts of jazzy melody are the finishing touch to this production masterpiece.
