Surkin | dd

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again..Surkin is underrated. At least it seems like he is in America. Ironically his 2011 debut album, USA didn’t make as big of a splash in the states as it did in other countries (see my old Disco Droppings feature). I’ve been a Surkin cheerleader for quite some time, and he’s at it again with a new EP, out now on Marble. This French label was started by Surkin, Bobmo and Para One, and is also home to Canblaster, Das Glow and Sam Tiba to name a few. Surkin’s newest release is called the Advanced Entertainment System EP. To me, these tracks are in the vein of Rustie; an animated playfulness mixed with emotional vocals and sharp beats (see “Boot Screen”, “Stronger feat. Canblaster”). The track “Tiger Rhythm” has a Night Slugs kind of lean..I’m sure this will appear in upcoming DJ sets of mine. Comparisons aside, I like that Surkin is continuing to evolve as a producer, this release is unexpected and shows he’s willing to take some risks.

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marble.fm

– Jimi Jaxon

Every time I listen through Surkin’s “USA” album, I feel like it’s been overlooked. Maybe it’s from living in the U.S., but this album is one of the strongest releases I’ve come across recently, and I want to take time to profile it. The tracks “White Knight Two” and “Fan Out”, which have been floating around for a while, are sat inside a confident, colorful album that instantly transports you into Surkin’s dreams of 80’s US nostalgia. Although it draws inspiration from the past, Surkin is innovative with his presentation of old grooves in a new, modern environment. This producer has consistently delivered stellar art; from his solo work, to his collaboration with Bobmo as High Powered Boys (hear “Udon/Work” via Juno), to his work as co-label head for Marble. Do yourself a favor and pick up “USA” through Boomkat. Just when I thought this marvelous album was enough, Surkin has released the USA Club Mixes featuring reworks by Bok Bok & L-Vis 1990, Strip Steve, Para One, Djedjotronic and Noob + the RIDICULOUS Rustie remix of “Lose Yourself”.

I’ve got quite the crush on this guy, Surkin if you’re reading this you’ve got a friend in Seattle ;]