Recommended: Untzz – BDOH001

Another day, another label, right? You’ll hear a lot of heads, old and young, moaning about the over-saturation of the market, complaining about the proliferation of record labels run by just-come young guns looking to make quick cash money. Let yourself get comfortable in that state of smug knowledge b2b overstated ennui, and you might lose sight of the fact that some of those new label owners are investing not just time and money but serious passion, and that the people behind these labels are still true fans. One such label is Untzz, run by five twentysomethings from Adelaide, Australia. The crew cite Australia’s long alliance with the Detroit movement, as embodied by the legendary Juice Records, as a strong influence. Although they’re keen to sustain an interest in analogue production, they determined they won’t be limited to a staunchly purist approach. Their first release has sold out on Redeye and at Juno already, and the sounds are as hefty as the heavyweight vinyl onto which they’ve been pressed.


Stream: Freddie Norwood – “They Never Used to Stay Out All Night” (Untzz)

If the first offering from Untzz is going to set the bar for forthcoming delights, then you should look forward to releases that salute the electronic establishment whilst capturing the sounds of the present. Working within a loosely classic techno framework, each track shows off a decidedly personal element. Rather than releasing music that doggedly plays by the rules, Untzz are showing that they’re up for having more fun than the revivalists who would spirit us all back to the 80s if they could. Potentially the most thrilling selection cut on this release is Freddie Norwood’sThey Never Used To Stay Out All Night”. It’s got that magical Joy O feel: intensely clever in its simplicity, with a vocal sample deployed almost frighteningly well, all finished off with a few perfectly placed claps. Of the tracks featured on this first release “TNUTSOAN” is the one that most successfully manages to look forward as well as back. Expect to hear this one getting played out aplenty by your local discerning selector.

Stream: Babicka – “Zero (The One)” (Untzz)

But there are some other goodies here too: the release also features “Thug Ish” by HVCK, the kind of laid-back banger that plays out with a kind of refined filthiness, whilst Babicka’s “Zero (The One)” is on a deeper and dirtier vibe. Last but by no means least, “Chillin’” by Dass is pure raucousness, wobbly and even – dare we type it? – even a little bit ticklish in places. It’s definitely the cheekiest selection, in any case. Suffice to say we’re very impressed with the first offering from such young blood. They’ve already built up a strong following over in Australia, so if you know what’s good for you (and we’re guessing that excellent music is probably what’s good for you), then keep an eye on Untzz.

Stream:  HVCK – Thug Ish (Untzz)

This was a limited pressing so if you’re keen go grab it! Out now and still available on Boomkat and at Phonica.

Tabitha Thorlu-Bangura

Camberwell based ricecake enthusiast. twitter

2 thoughts on “Recommended: Untzz – BDOH001”

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