To mark its tenth digital release, the Bizarre Trax-affiliated TAN label unveils “TAN Trax All Stars” – a ten-track celebration that feels more like a love letter to the crew’s extended musical family than a mere compilation. What started as a playful outlet parallel to the more curated, wax-driven Bizarre Trax has evolved into a fully formed identity of its own: cheeky, groove-soaked, and ever dancefloor-minded.
Opening this milestone release is “Imperfection” by Jhobei – not just TAN royalty, but one of the driving forces behind Bizarre Trax itself. With past outings on FUSE, Up The Stuss, Locked In, Mood Waves, BinarySound, and more, Jhobei’s sound has become a trademark: a hybrid of housey warmth, technical precision, and just enough cheek to make you smile mid-mix.
“Imperfection” doesn’t knock at the door – it slips through the cracks like golden hour light, casting long shadows of funk and warmth across the floor. A nimble House bassline sets the pulse, elastic but grounded, wrapped in fluttering pads and tight, swung percussion. The titular vocal – clipped, unfussy – drops in almost as an afterthought, but anchors the track like a mantra. Jhobei adds just enough synth variation to keep the groove shapeshifting, always teasing, never overplaying its hand.
Like much of Jhobei’s work, “Imperfection” doesn’t beg to be heard – it just feels like it’s always been there, waiting to soundtrack a hazy morning after or a peak-time wiggle. As far as mission statements go, it’s a perfect opener for an imprint built on community, playfulness, and groove without ego.
Ten releases deep, TAN’s personality is sharper than ever – and “Imperfection” is a reminder that sometimes the smoothest things come with just the right amount of grit.
Words by Holger Breuer
Torture the Artist 