Toronto label nice+smooth ultramedia are pleased to introduce their second single for forward-motion electronic artist ICR. Zoltán Gál is ICR, a Budapest-based producer who made his mark over a decade ago in the drum n' bass scene, even founding Hungary's famed online hub for the genre ImpulseCreator. With a background as a music journalist, ICR's own music always displayed musical variety and an uncompromising creativity spread out over a number of well-respected labels. The formation of his own Misspent Music label gave ICR the freedom to branch out sonically, experimenting with different genres and tempos, dipping his toes in house music, techno, and downtempo breaks. Recent releases on Chi Recordings, Orson, Glack Audio, and Sonorous Music sealed the deal, joined by the release of his album To Make Right What’s Left on Fokuz Recordings and a high-profile remix for production legend Howie B. His release earlier this year, “The Moments I Ruined” [NICE0045] was a top techno track for adventurous DJ’s around the world; a solid slice of musicality and originality. The trademark deep and cinematic ICR sound remains the same, but in new forms.
This new record brings the tempo back a bit as the mood softens with the uptempo stabs and glistening keys of ‘‘Do You Remember." A subtle breakbeat feel nearly betrays its four-on-the-floor rhythm, and melodic cascades of bright synth layers lift the track into sonic sunshine. It's a gorgeous and brainy episode of musical drive. There's also a Reprise version of ‘‘Do You Remember" which strips away most of the drum track leaving tones, notes, and captivating swells behind. This is followed by the laid back prose of "She Leaves," accompanied by a quirky deep house shuffle that recalls some of Matthew Herbert's work. Plinked piano and a female spoken vocal are sampled, manipulated, and woven into the groove of this potent and imaginative after-hours cut. Finally, fellow Budapest producer Bal5000 tries his hand a "She Leaves," offering a more floor-focused remix that pulses and gyrates with buzz and electricity. These four tracks certainly help lay out ICR's electronic manifesto, and nice+smooth is more than happy to help spread the word.
Nick Warren - "Brilliant release. 'Do You Remember' is ace and 'She Leaves' is pure gold. A very impressive producer, indeed."
Justin Harris (Freaks) - "'Do You Remember' is strange and really good!"
Three (Hallucination Limited) - "This is some pretty fresh, unique stuff. I'm really feeling 'Do You Remember.' I look forward to working this out."
Severino (Horse Meat Disco) - "Pretty cool vibe … the Bal5000 Remix of 'She Leaves' is definitely my favorite."
diskJokke - "Smooth and delicious."
Brett Johnson (Bang The Box) - "Nice, deep cuts here. Will play!"
Jota Wagner (Colors Sound System) - "This is nice, this is smooth, and this is lovely."
Ulysses (Neurotic Drum Band) - "There's a nice pop sheen to everything that doesn't detract from the groove."
Stereo 77 - "Fantastic ... simply fantastic! 'Do You Remember' & 'She Leaves' will be a part of my sets for many days to come."
TJ Norris (Resident Advisor) - "ICR has created a four track EP that is part hazy day laid-back fusion with a sincere dramatic bent."
Jarle Bråthen (Full Pupp) - "Nice feel on the whole release."
Marc Lacasse (Urbnet) - "The evolving, somewhat romantic journey is a great vision, good for radio and floors for sure."
Bobi (Global Movement) - "I just love the two original tracks here - sounds like a proper and great deep house."
Derek Jones (Soular Grooves Radio) - "How beautiful. I love this female vocal spoken word electronic track ... listening pearls. Very unique production, indeed."
Available now from Beatport and iTunes.
