***** Swoze – Church EP (Former City Records FCR020 – 2023)

Record label design of "Church EP" by SwozeFrom the faculty of funk appears Swoze, a disciple who time travels to the bass-laden 1980’s. “Church EP” is a thumping and grooving four-tracker on Dresden’s Former City Records, a label known for fat beats repertoire. It’s the first solo release by Swoze, who debuted on Casa Voyager a few years ago, then collaborating with Driss Bennis.

By sonic geography, the EP is located  in the US West Coast area and the first three tracks are exploring the spiritual side of street life. Smooth ghetto funk is paired with conscious vocal narrations, sourced from the Youtube channel Soft White Underbelly that interviews people from the fringes of society. For me, the highlight is “Alfa 75”, a jazzy charmer with classic house origins. Put on a vintage LA hat and strike a pose for Polaroid cameras.

Buy links:
Juno (UK)
Decks (DE)

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