Maya Jane Coles - Humming Bird EP [HYPEDIG011] (PROMO)

image cover: Maya Jane Coles - Humming Bird EP [HYPEDIG011] (PROMO)

From Manuel Tur to Nicolas Jaar to Alex Niggemann, electronic music in 2010 has practically been defined by the emergence of a number of young, multifaceted producers. On a female tip, the latest ‘buzz name’ on influential lips is that of 22-year-old Londoner Maya Jane Coles. Fresh from the success of her ‘What they Say’ EP on Real Tone, she drops another bomb here – this time on fledging London based imprint Hypercolour.
The five track EP immediately signals its intentions via title track, ‘Humming bird’. A warm, housey effort that kicks off on a light piano tip before the bass quickly creeps back in, it’s a simple – yet without doubt effective – Dj tool that’s sure to earn repeated airtime from deep house purveyors.

Its hummed melody might provide the spark, yet every element – from the piano chords to the soft spoken vocal to Cole’s Japanese ancestry which briefly shines through towards the tracks conclusion – combine here ensure ‘Humming bird’ will be remembered as one of the years finest deep house moments.

‘Nobody Else’ maintains a similarly dreamy, decadent vibe, and Cole’s spoken vocal; “I don’t need nobody else, you’re no good for my health” certainly seems to ring true here. Clocking in at just over three minutes, a longer version would be a welcome addition, yet it’s nonetheless another esteemed effort.

‘Lookin’ Out’ again showcases the producer’s bass heavy, dance floor tailored approach, before her more experimental side comes to the fore on ‘You’. With a laid back tone supplied by a deep, fx laden vocal and a soft melodic undercurrent, its trippy vibe demands a few listens, yet ultimately makes for a most enjoyable experience.

A jazz heavy St. Etienne-like vibe then flourishes throughout ‘Contradiction’, which wraps up the EP in estute fashion via a series of well-placed percussion and a light summery tone, further strengthening the notion that Cole is one to watch. All in all, the ‘Humming bird’ EP supplies one of those rare occasions whereby the end result actually matches the hype. Essential listening.