DJ, producer and Elevate Records shop owner, Cinthie has firmly stamped herself amongst the world’s top DJs, with gigs and releases happening at the most respected clubs and labels worldwide. Therefore, it’s perhaps not surprising that her latest EP, Music For Discotheques, is on the consistently excellent Heist Recordings imprint.
As the EP title suggests, this isn’t an introspective minimal ambient release. The opener, Won’t U Take, thumps its introduction to your ears with chunky kicks, hats and a neat pad, being followed with a bumpy bassline and stabby keys. The title’s vocal refrain is added once the vibe is in full flow, which continues to puncture the backbeat throughout the track. This is crisp production but with a raw, strobe-lit energy, showcasing a true understanding of her audience.
As with Won’t U Take, the A2 cut, Piano Heaven, takes no prisoners and is as exactly the title indicates. Again the production is super-tight, with the initial synths being replaced with hugely uplifting pianos sitting atop a rumbling sub-bass bottom-end. Aside from a breakdown at the halfway mark, the vibe remains incessant and will possibly be the pick of the EP for many DJs and dancefloors, with its warm vibe and euphoric feeling. Just in time for the festival season too, this cut will be heard in the fields of the world this summer, make no mistake.
The B1 vibe of Masterplan is very different to the A-side outings, this time the tempo is upped a good number of BPM and the track is built around a nagging synth stab and 80s electro-influenced percussion. A male vocalist sings and raps over the track, giving this a very authentic electro-esque groove. If Cinthie was setting out to make something which could have sat on one of the Streetsounds compilations from back in the day, then she’s pretty much hit the mark here. It’s a cracker of a workout and is dance music with a little grin on its face too.
Closing the EP is Italian supremo St. David’s deeper interpretation of Piano Heaven, where he crafts an excellent regroove, utilising some of the lower piano notes and filtering these to great effect throughout the track. This version is perhaps less immediately powerful than the original, but no less dancefloor-friendly: more of a hip-shaker than a hands-aloft vibe, offering up a great alternative to the original. The beats have a deft swing and the added pads sit wonderfully in the background, allowing the chopped pianos to glide through the track. This is a brilliant cut in its own right and closes the EP in real style.
Overall, it has to be said that this is an EP of pure dancefloor gold from start to finish from Cinthie, her music and the Heist label making perfect bedfellows.
Cinthie’s Music For Discotheques EP is available on vinyl and digital now via Heist Recordings.
Words by Al Bradley
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