Jozef K, Winter Son – Smiling Through Wide Eyes / Skint Records / SKINT323

ARTIST: Jozef K, Winter Son
ALBUM: Smiling Through Wide Eyes
LABEL: Skint Records | SKINT323
GENRE: Tech House
BITRATE: 320Kbps
ORIGINAL RELEASED 2016-03-18
SIZE: 59.38 MB

TOTAL TRACKS 4

Jozef K & Winter Son are a formidable force. ‘Smiling Through Wide Eyes’ on Skint Records emphasises their capabilities. Remix duty has been handed to Swedish duo Mr Tophat & Art Alfie and Berlin­ based Argy.

Jozef K & Winter Son explained of the EP, “[it’s an] old school record made in homage to UK rave culture. Expect drum breaks, rave pianos and bass,” accentuated by the lyric, ‘ We make this prayer to you.” ‘Smiling Through Wide Eyes’ commences the release with an unstoppable energy that wouldn’t sound out of place in the bygone parties of The Haçienda, awash with loopy horns, piano and vocals. The heady ‘Starlight In Another World’ is framed by a scattered female vocal, craving the magic of those early hours. Mr. Tophat & Art Aflie add a heavier edge with their remix of ‘ Smiling Through Wide Eyes’, whilst Argy spirals the energy levels with his high­ powered remix.

Manchester born Jozef K started his DJ career at the most established club of his home city, Sankeys at just 19 years old. Moving towards the present day, he is now resident of the global brand. Fellow Mancunian, Winter Son i s famed for his love of drum machines and percussion pads. Between them they have released on Kim Ann Foxman’s Firehouse Recordings, One Records, Rebirth and Hush Hush.

Mr Tophat & Art Alfie a re both DJ’s and producers, whilst also co­founding Karlovak Recordings. Greek in origin, Argy first rose to fame with the 2005 anthem ‘Love Dose’, one of the biggest tracks of that year. Fast forward 16 years and he has released on Defected, Objektivity and Cocoon and set up the label These Days.