James Teej - Spending Life (Orig / Danny Fiddo & Affkt / Ripperton) [Rebirth] (buy digital)

Since his String Theory EP landed on Connect Four last summer (with THAT Cassy remix), James Teej has been gradually gaining a serious foothold in the CD wallets of some of the elite taste makers of house music (including Radio Slave who’s given Teej a real chance to shine with a forthcoming release on Rekids). Almost 12 months since that debut, Teej hits us with what may well go on to become one of the best releases this year.

The Rhodes may have been seriously pushed in the last 12-18 months but here you’ll witness the warmest chord pattern since it was decided that Strictly Rhythm was actually a rather fine record label and not a celebrity drumming game show. As well as this expert display of key control, Teej treats us to a wonderful vocal, which whilst not fully legible in places, adds a “its going to be OK” vibe to the proceedings. Throw in some great digital drum rhythms and a progressing array of electronic lines and you have a track that will still sound amazing in 20 years time.

Alongside the great original, Spanish producers Danny Fiddo and Affkt provide an outstanding dance floor oriented remix complete with squelchy low end and an almost freestyle jazz sound that sounds like it could have literally been a one take wonder. With a continuous build and bouncy live vibe, this is the perfect peak time accompaniment to Teej’s sunset/sunrise original.

Rounding things off is Ripperton with a rawkus Detroit influenced big room remix. If this had been on any other release then there’s a good chance that this would be the best track on the EP; further proving how much credit is due to Teej and his Spanish companions.

With their stock rising with seemingly every release, Rebirth have really struck gold here and with a strong EP from Stefano Testa on the way (featuring remixes from Brothers Vibe, Jacques Renault and Tevo Howard), it may not only be James Teej that reaches a new level of recognition with this EP.

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