The sixth release from Phonica’s eponymous label is the product of serendipity — the result of a visit from 90’s electronica producer Bob Holroyd to their brick and mortar store. Holroyd, for those of you who were too young to notice at the time (like us), released the ambient/tribal hybrid “African Drug” to great acclaim in 1994 and saw its inclusion on prominent mixes by Coldcut and Francois K. Realizing its potential 16 years later, Phonica licensed the track and paired it with new remixes from Four Tet and T.Williams, the latter of which is our weekly download. The UK-based DJ/producer, most notable for being half of Deep Teknologi with S.E.F., latches on to the shuffling, hand drum percussion and makes it vibrate above purring bass weight. And by blurring the original marimba notes into a stuttering yet solid melodic line and adding his own synth strains to the mix, T. Williams maintains the intriguing vibe while excising any 90’s sonic baggage. Our thanks to T.Williams, Bob Holroyd and Phonica for giving this tune away.

Download: Bob Holroyd, “African Drug” (T.Williams Keye Mix)

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