Introducing On Our Radar, a brand-new music feature where the team at Reform select their hottest tracks of the week. We can’t wait to share with you guys what we have been listening to…
UNTITLED, DJ TANAKA
Image yourself lying on a beach, warm sun rays hitting your near golding skin, shades on; world off. A perfect warm up for a night out, this track released on Fada Records is the perfect sunset anthem. The melodic fluctuations create an alluring yet passive lead, gently sweeping you into sweet serenity.
Fada Records is an independent label founded in 2018 and based in Los Angeles, CA and Marseille, France. The artist, DJ Tanaka, is from Japan and grew up in the Northern Kyoto Prefecture. Now based in the capital, Tokyo, he draws much of his inspiration from his upbringing of going fishing with his uncle and playing games of Tekken 2 (a fighting game from the 90s) with his neighbours. This particular track encapsulates the transition from suburban to city life and the discovery of night life and feelings of lust in Tokyo.
OTIS RECORDS
Released back in 2020 by Australian label OTIS Records, this atmospheric track is one of the only songs available on their platform – and we think it’s a hidden gem!
Bringing back the sounds of early 2000s Drum & Bass, this liquid tune is rich in layering, with epic female vocal samples scattered throughout.
MATTHEW HALSALL
Salute to the sun, indeed. This Manchester based Jazz artist and label-founder creates effortless medleys of soft, soothing and soulful instrumentals. Harmony with Nature, performed live at Hallé St Peter’s in the heart of Ancoats, is the perfect accompaniment for the morning get up. With bouncy percussion, beautiful brass taking the lead and rich compounds of both warming and invigorating tones – Halsall’s style is utterly unique and compelling. Catch him playing at YES in both March and April to see the real shebang in person.
BLIND MIC FT TYLER DALEY & SVMI
We are loving this link up from three Manchester based artists, Blind Mic, Tyler Daley and SVMI. The combination of softly sung vocals against Northern rappers runs smoothly throughout, with an instrumental giving off Tom Misch vibes. Plus, we are loving the line ‘I’m not tryna please no one’.
THE MIRROR BALL TEST
The Mirror Ball Test are a seven piece Jazz-fusion from Manchester, playing wonderfully ambient and sophisticated instrumentals. This self-titled song is four and a half minutes of classical enjoyment, slowly intensifying throughout by means of intricate layering. We are loving the brass & woodwind dazzle on this one.
HIDDEN SPHERES
Let’s us introduce you to the Manchester based DJ & Producer, Hidden Spheres. This track ‘improvisation’ was released on Rhythm Section International, a label that grew out of Peckham in South London. From the get go, the track has the ability to hook you in. Beginning with tribal percussion, tropical samples and silky reverberated female vocals saying ‘improvisation’; by the time the choppy electro-pop chords kick in and the Acid House sounds take reign, this summer track has taken over our mind, body and soul.
THE REYTONS
The Reytons are an ensemble from South Yorkshire, delivering energetic indie-rock. After performing at open mic nights in 2017, the group got together and made their first EP that was released on the Manchester based label Scruff of The Neck. Their song On The Back Burner is very comparable to the style of the Arctic Monkeys. The lyrics are humorous throughout, with the band even cracking jokes about their famous predecessors lead singer: ‘everybody round here’s got a cousin or mate that’s best friends with Alex Turner’.
JUST BANCO
Just Banco is an artist from Manchester, bringing something smooth and fresh to the table. The music video for his track Monica was posted on GRM Daily, a music news platform spotlighting the very best in UK Rap, Drill, Grime and more. Banco’s style is unique, fusing together elements of R&B, Rap and Trap to create his own compositions.
FRONT BENCH
Meet Front Bench, a DJ & Producer based in Leeds. Released on his co-founding label 199, Novocaine is part of a 10 track album, Comme Des Garçons. An ethereal track, combining elements of ambience against Garage driven beats. The dreamlike nature of the piece is constructed through delicate piano chords, use of strings and angelic vocal samples.
Front Bench admits that this album was written ‘in two lonely lockdown weeks’ and is a reflection on what had been a ‘challenging and formative period’ of his life.
TOGETHER FOR UKRAINE
Together For Ukraine is a collection of tracks by sixty-five Ukrainian and International artists. Set up by Standard Deviations, a newly formed label, and Ukrainian label Mystictrax, all profits will be going to charities that are helping to support the people of Ukraine. For more information on this, please see their Bandcamp profile.