BYRSLF015 Obey City “My RVM” EP

The anticipation is almost over.  One week from today (July 10th), our old friend Obey City from the Astro Nautico team will drop his debut release via B.YRSLF, and it’s sure to please.

The on.the.sly x B.YRSLF connection runs deep.  They’ve released tunes from a handful of our past guests, including MYRRYRS, Hirshi & Bombe.  When we heard these tracks finally had a release date, we had to tell you about it.  We were first made privy to “Percalatin’” back in MYRRYRS interview with KAB.  Since then, it’s been a staple in knomad‘s rotation.

With 5 original cuts on this release, it’s clear Obey City is hoarding some serious beats.  In a day where EPs often only contain 2 tracks, BYRSLF015 shines on value without feeling watered down. Remix duty handled by fellow Astronautibro Kuhn, Brooklyn upstart Baauer and the up and coming Apple Bottom.

Up first is “Who Buggin’?” setting the tone and easing us in.  A smooth, laid back track featuring some swirling chord work and Obey flexing his ability to manipulate a plethora of vocal samples.  This one closes on an upbeat note with some added percussion flavor.

“Percalatin’” has been in my crates for a minute, and it always gets me percalatin’.  Layered stabs and an in the pocket snare keep this one moving while the vocals hint at where we are headed.  Sure enough, the bubblin’ sounds of the percolator descend on the track and drive the rhythm the rest of the way. (check out knomad’s mix for Bassfaced.com, featuring this track, circa January 2012)

If it wasn’t already clear, “ID ID” should prove as evidence to Obey City’s effective chord play and vocal manipulation.  More stabs, more choppy vocals, more shuffling drums, and we’re fine with that, especially with the increased energy.

More often than not, electronic dance music is released in small doses and the total release doesn’t provide an engaged listening experience (ala the album).  Effectively presenting the tracks based on their beats per minute, B.YRSLF has created a release that not only provides a handful of versatile dance floor delicatessen, but a structured and engaging listening experience from start to finish.  ”My RVM” facilitates this the most.  The track takes nearly its entire lifespan to take off, while the beat fluctuates and the vocals swirl, increasing the tension for a solid 3 minutes.

Obey’s portion of the EP closes with “Neva Knew” and it’s arguably the most upbeat and dance floor friendly of his tracks.  A nostalgic vocal sample and a clear intro/drop/breakdown structure make this one accessible and reminiscent of big room tracks built to bring down the energy while increasing the attention of the dance floor.  What sets it apart is the breakdown before the last drop, creating a lane out for those pushing something a bit more “now”.  Don’t get it twisted, this is a highlight track and should find itself in a variety of situations in the dance.

First remix comes via Obey City’s Astronautico brother Kuhn.  Kuhn takes the energetic “ID ID” and dismantles it.  A pitched down vocal sample and an industrial drum beat collide into the original’s chord pattern chopped and stuttered.

Baauer takes the nostalgic “Neva Knew”, increases the tempo, builds us up with some claps, and then drops his signature purple dubstep meets trap hip hop beat.  This remix leaves much of the original track’s samples in tact, using the chord stabs and vocal stutters reminiscent of their original form, but with that Baauer sway we’re coming to expect from his work.

The EP closes with Apple Bottom re-exploring “MY RVM.” Apple Bottom maintains the original tempo and feel, exploring new territory with the sound palette of the original, riding a four on the floor house beat into a very laid back place.  Quality contrast to the energy coming off the Baauer remix.

All in all, B.YRSLF has done us all a favor by securing the first release from Obey City (not self released via Astro Nautico).  We know there are more releases from Obey on the horizon, and this one serves as a solid introduction to what we’ll come to expect from him.  Enjoy the taste here, keep an eye and ear focused on the B.YRSLF Soundcloud for more possible previews, and head to your favorite retailer to pick this up on July 10th.