CUBIQ:
Perched on a sinking desktop of promo, in an uncharted box of beats came Cubiq. It was not until summer 2010, somewhere on the dusty digital highway; that with one stuck thumb, they hitched their way onto the blogger-sphere. Nothing much happened that particular summer’s night, but I can tell you this - it’s all happening now. And so the story goes that way back when, some semi-respectable hobo blogger kept pushing those Cubiq boys’ tunes, full well knowing that if you throw enough pebbles then something’s bound to break. Those tunes were scattered like half decent diamonds in the rough, for all those people out there looking for that Hidden Gem - those Cubiq boys being exactly that. Moving on in time with Jamie and Carlos still just 19 years of trouble, the boys have got an earnest catalog of trophy tunes in the bag. And I hear from reliable folk that the ‘Hidden Label’ gang have gunned their biggest release to date. Some say that the single is out 20th December 2011, and it’s called ‘Say’ by the way. The single is packed full of kicks, with vocals from ‘De Souza’ who can sing a top off a high C if needs be. Followed by the remix duties of that fella ‘Timmy P’, and I hear that he can play that piano way through the ceiling and up to the stars. If you don’t believe, then you can catch these young pitchers throwin a set of disco duelling house at the old Warehouse venue in Leeds, with likely cats and heavy handed heroes Tim Green, Kerri Chandler and Maya Jane Coles.
The 20th of December will see Oxford duo Cubiq release “Say”, their debut EP. Despite their youth and relatively unknown status, Jamie and Carlos are seriously big-hitters and have gathered a pretty serious fanbase throughout the blogger-sphere. This is partly due to their prolific rate of production; the last 6 months have seen a medley or bootlegs, originals and remixes surfacing to continued acclaim, but primarily it reflects the quality they bring to the table. And, with their newest single, “Say”, it would appear these boys have struck gold. Amongst the resounding similarity of current house music, Say is so utterly unique you can’t help but take notice. It is so refreshing to hear a song which does not sound like it was spawned from the unbelievably ubiquitous “Your Everything”, and instead relies on superb musicality and creativity to make its point. Say brims with the kind of originality that only genuine musicians could bring to the table. The song is designed around De Souza’s haunting and hilarious vocal, which resonates from start to finish to maximum effect. ‘Catchy’ would do this song a massive injustice, it is infectious, and reflects the production skill these boys put into their music (Both a studying Music at highly respectable institutions). Say is the obvious showpiece of the EP, but it is supported by two other tracks of solid stature. Their other original input into the EP, “June Moon”, is a punchy number, and provides a great addition to the EP. So to does their collaboration with Timmy P, which speeds things up a bit, steaming along at pace.
Words: Tom Day
HDN001 - Cubiq ft. De Souza - Say EP - Release Date: 20/12/11 by Hidden Label
HL001 - Cubiq feat. De Souza - Say EP
Remix - Timmy P
Coming December World Wide
Date - 20th December 2011
In preparation of HDN001 we have some FREE music for you. Cubiq & Timmy P are giving away their 'Damien The Omen' collaboration, which has received nods from likes of Waifs & Strays, Matt Fear and Footprintz of late. There's also a 30 minute mix-tape of unreleased Cubiq materials. All downloads enabled.
So a little bit about the track...'Damien The Omen' opens with a straight up Chicago esque house beat. Anchored by a solid bassline, flashes of color begin to show on the edges of what is yet to be a climatic schooling in house music. When the track breaks down, it becomes clear it is it not done yet. An impassioned vocal sample plays over some suddenly excitable synth surges which accelerate to a climax, before the track takes on a celebratory and euphoric tone. If you enjoy this, then be sure to check out Cubiq's strong and varied 'Say' release, which is due out on the 20th of December on Hidden Label. It's a winner for DJ’s, dancers and downloaders alike.
Words: Phil Anscombe
Hidden Label (MPFREE'S) by Hidden Label
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