Arnau Obiols & Kayyak - Chang’an EP (incl. remixes by Kalabrese, MLiR)

Since being introduced to each other via their girlfriends a while back, Anau Obiols and KAYYAK have spent plenty of time together in the studio. This excellent EP on Compost Records is the first time they’ve showcased their joint endeavours, but we have a feeling it won’t be the last. ‘Chang’an’ is simply superb, with South African singer B’utiza and Mozambican vocalist Tchecho making their presence felt above a driving backing track rich in booming bass, elongated organ chords, layered percussion and tight, funky TB-303 acid motifs. ‘Gant De Nit’ is deep and groovy, with a funkier bassline, bouncy Afro-house drums, Afrobeat organ stabs and echo-laden clipped guitar sounds. Throw in two tidy, club-ready reworks from Kalabrese and MLiR, and you have an essential EP from two fast-rising talents.