High Tower by James Curd

James Curd continues his run of irresistible house-n-disco-with-a-pop-sensibility for Exploited with a superb new double-header, joined by a slew of top draw remixes.
'High Tower' sets its intent with a techy sound palette and rhythmic wiggle, with muted synth tones jauntily set atop shuffling percussion. The introduction of a slinky disco bassline and falsetto vocals twists the track in another direction though, and soon the soaring vox push the track into a classic house direction. This seamless blend of organic and synthetic keeps building, with a succinct synth arpeggio adding more wiggle to the groove still. A female vocal - or is it the original vocal that was pitched down a second ago? - brings the classy feel back, and the incessant groove is augmented by subtle string sustains and cymbal rides to complete a deceptively infectious track.
'Shaun Said', meanwhile, is a moody instrumental track that takes a similar array of textures and turns them into something more introspective. Analog-flavoured drum work underpins swirls of churning bass and jazzy chord stabs in this dreamy little number.

Multi-talented musician James Curd is an artist whose reach extends from the depths of the dancefloor far into the subcultural stratosphere. With releases on the world’s most revered labels, appearances at the most vital clubs, and composer credits for premium TV shows and films, it’s fair to say the Australian-based creator has musical intention coursing through his very being.