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Prague-based Pink Concrete’s debut EP for Ben Sims’ Hardgroove is a six-track EP featuring four tracks from the Istanbul-born artist alongside two remixes from Illian Tape and Tresor duo Fireground.

Warmth is the operative word across the ‘Soulfood EP. Rich chords run throughout, none more so than in the opener ‘Jubilee’, where low pass filters lend a dreamy quality to the vocals while a punchy rhythm track provides heft. The title track has similarly rounded qualities but ups the ‘heads down’ vibe with a direct, pounding groove, while ‘Monday’ and closer ‘Stay’ employ.

Warmth is the operative word across the ‘Soulfood EP. Rich chords run throughout, none more so than in the opener ‘Jubilee’, where low pass filters lend a dreamy quality to the vocals while a punchy rhythm track provides heft. The title track has similarly rounded qualities but ups the ‘heads down’ vibe with a direct, pounding groove, while ‘Monday’ and closer ‘Stay’ employ tape-echo stabs and light dub sensibilities to energetic toughness and niftily applied vox-drop aesthetics, respectively.

Fireground’s remixes of ‘Soulfood’ complete the ‘Soulfood EP’, with Angela and Daniele dropping a bumping, ‘Filter Mix’ and a cut-up, jacking ’S1000’ mix - both dripping in tech-funk appeal.

Ben’s music has graced labels such as Tresor, Drumcode, Mosaic, Karlovak, Bass Culture and CLR, while also founding many cult imprints, including Theory, Hardgroove, KB Records inc and Symbolism plus a steady stream of high profile remixes over the years for scene heavyweights, including Jeff Mills, Robert Hood, Kevin Saunderson, Chris Liebing, Adam Beyer, Carl Cox, Oscar Mulero, DJ Rush and more.

1. djbensims.com