Introducing “The Hood 001”, the debut vinyl release from Noisy Neighbours, a Colombian label dedicated to spotlighting South America’s most talented club music producers. This various artist EP showcases a quartet of fresh, high-energy tracks that blend influences from 90s Deep House, UK Garage, Tech House, and Breakbeat. Featuring contributions from the label’s founder A. Naranjo, Emilio Mustafa, and long-time neighbors Donnie Cosmo and FI-LO, “The Hood 001” promises to bring bold selectors’ tastes to life and rumble dancefloors worldwide. Let’s dive into the record, track by track.
The opener sets a groovy tone, with A.Naranjo delivering a deep roller laced with UK Garage influences. The track’s warm basslines and skittering percussion lock listeners into a hypnotic rhythm, while subtle melodic flourishes add an extra layer of sophistication. It’s a versatile cut that works equally well in warm-up sets or as a bridge between peak-time anthems.
Donnie Cosmo takes the reins with “El Funk Del Espacio”, a techy yet deep dancefloor driver. True to Cosmo’s style, the groove is relentless, underpinned by punchy kicks and a rolling bassline. As the track unfolds, its rich textures and intricate sound design create an immersive experience, drawing dancers deeper into its orbit. It’s the kind of track that thrives in high-energy settings, with its groove doing all the heavy lifting.
Emilio Mustafa kicks off the B-side with “Pump Mafia,” a spacey roller infused with funky undertones and hip-hop-nuanced vocal samples. The interplay between crisp percussion and lush, atmospheric pads gives the track a dynamic yet cohesive feel. Mustafa expertly balances the deepness of the previous tracks with an uplifting energy that ensures its place in both chilled and more intense moments of a set.
Closing the EP is FI-LO’s “Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice,” a standout track that blends Tech House with a Breakbeat twist. The rolling groove, punctuated by subtle vocal samples and a weaving synth line, delivers an entrancing effect that builds momentum from start to finish. Sleek production and layered percussion reward repeated listens, while the punchy beats and infectious energy ensure it’s a floor-filler. FI-LO’s intricate balance of nostalgic breakbeat vibes and modern tech-house polish perfectly encapsulates Noisy Neighbours’ mission to merge South American club sounds with a global edge.
“The Hood 001” is a remarkable debut for Noisy Neighbours, showcasing the label’s vision and the talent of its artists. Each track contributes its own flavor, creating a cohesive yet diverse listening experience that’s primed for the dancefloor. With this release, Noisy Neighbours firmly establishes itself as a label to watch, bringing South America’s rich club music culture to a wider audience. DJs looking to add a bold, energetic edge to their sets should make space for “The Hood 001” in their crates.
Words by Holger Breuer
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