For one reason or another, producers from Greece rarely register on my radar. And even after a bit of research and brain-wracking, Argy and GummiHz were the only two names that rang a Grecian bell. A new record on the recently launched Be Chosen label threatens to greatly expand that circle of recognition. Created by newcomer Chevy and the somewhat established Lemos (who has released for Resopal Red with his pal Kreon), “Woman’s Key” suggests a deep house revival is under way in Athens’ clubs as well. The single also includes remixes by Fresh Fried (a trio which includes Berovic & Leicher) and Ali Nassar.
But like a lot of modern deep house, the magic is in the artists’ post-millennial interpretation. Chevy & Lemos pepper their otherwise soulful track with sudden, bittersweet horn fanfare and pointed, tiny counter-melodies, swapping an easy-going vibe for something a bit more on edge. Though its disembodied vocals — reminiscent of Daniel Sanchez’s “Mumbling Yeah” performance — form the easy hook, the hand drum and bass run textures find “Woman’s Key” to be anything but a one trick pony. But in case the vocals and tribalized drums are all that appeals, Fresh Fried’s cavernous remix is the tool for you, and nothing more. Ali Nassar’s “Deepness” remix is even more at odds with more traditional deep-house, a mess of tension, reverb and punishing live drum samples. Functional for a variety of DJs’ needs, you can expect to hear at least one of these cuts making the rounds soon. Keep your eyes on Be Chosen and the Grecian scene; this release suggests there’s more quality work waiting at the gates from both.
Editor’s note: As a keen observer pointed out in the comments and Lemos himself confirmed via Myspace message, the tracklisting as it’s referred to here is mixed up. The horned, structured version (streaming) is Ali Nassar’s. The loose and tribal version is actually the original. The remaining version actually belongs to Fresh Fried. You can hear the correct versions on the Beatport page. Sharp ears and eyes!
technogreeks:
giorgos gatzigristos – born/resides in the netherlands, but if that’s his real name then i don’t see how he’s not a fellow 3rd generation greek. his “new world order” ep is pure fire, as is “boggling about the future,” both from last year.
novatek – definitely greek, definitely minimal plink-plonk type stuff with a bit of funk/bounce to it (at least the one record i have, “phree4m.”)
novox – also definitely greek, bordering minimal techno and electro. i’ve got two of their records: a chinscratcher (the appropriately titled “coufault”) and the somewhat melodic “one night stand ep.”
there’s a few more i know i’m not thinking of right now, but for starters there’s a few names.
I knew I should have consulted my resident Greek. Thanks for the leads.
I like this thnx for the heads up.
The tune you posted, according to Beatport it’s the Ali Nasser mix. Who’s right and who’s wrong? Not that it really matters, but I’d just like to know which is which. Thanks.
That’s really interesting. I guess I don’t know who is right, as I don’t have a physical copy of the record. Maybe I can get Lemos himself to clear this up.
Where did you get it from littlewhiteearbuds?
One of the promo lists I belong to. Things get mislabeled from time to time.
How do those promo lists work? They send you tunes cos you’re promoting the tunes in a way? If so, I’m envious, and by the way, I love the site/blog.
[…] 10. Chevy & Lemos, “Woman’s Key” [Be Chosen] (buy) Have another look. […]
[…] star status. Along the way he helped put the Frankfurt-based label Be Chosen on the map with a keen 12″ collaboration with Chevy and garnered choice remixes of the “Lookooshere” EP from Anthony Collins, Art Bleek and […]