- Mr Tophat and Art Alfie's Karlovak label has so far only released their own productions. But after six EPs it seems the duo, who also run Junk Yard Connections, have deemed the time right to invite more people to the party. On KVK100 Remixes, the label's first release gets the remix treatment from a Swedish compatriot and city-hopping Berghain resident, with mixed results.
GW is Skudge's Gustaf Wallnerstrom, and his remix of "Marlboro Light" is a pleasant if unremarkable bit of loop-heavy house. A warbling synth riff, lilting bassline and vocal entwine for a track that's heavy with groove but light on surprises. Ryan Elliott, however, fashions "SDIK Baby" into a bona fide bomb. The original was a funky Chicago cut, but the Detroit-born Berlin resident's stripped back take draws on both his cities, with a gossamer breakbeat circling a bass riff that bursts from the depths like a sea monster. It's a masterclass in restraint, tension built to breaking and then grinningly resolved. With more Karlovak remix EPs in the pipeline, we can only hope their decision to open the label up is as well rewarded.
TracklistA SDIK Baby (Ryan Elliott Remix)
B Marlboro Light (GW Remix)