- Artists that share similar views often inspire each other to higher levels. And so it is here on the latest Bond Records release, which features two ex-pat New Zealanders bringing some of the best material of their careers to wax. Andi Numan—who is now based in Korea—brings all the right elements together for a superb floor cut; thick galloping percussion tweaks and turns just enough to provide a good sense of movement throughout without becoming distracting. This is underscored by a cool-handed synth that builds to become a simple but impressive one-fingered solo before dropping back in those throbbing drums. With "3rd Attack" Numan displays a deftness for melodies and arrangements that makes a fairly straightforward track memorable.
On the flip, nu-Berliner Simon Beeston conjures a superb follow-up to "Horn Fed" with another mental brass-infused pilgrimage to the dusty streets of a Middle Eastern market place. Beeston improves on the formula, perhaps trusting himself to let the horns go further and generally have more fun with them. Pitched down "Tour De France"-style gasps weave their way into the track, adding to the sense that Beeston isn't taking himself too seriously. (If you can have a chuckle or two while dancing along to something this infectiously feel good, all the better.)
Tracklist A Andi Numan - 3rd Attack
B Simon Beeston - Floorboards