Michael James - MURM005

Recording info

Teeing up the next dynamite release on Brighton-based label Murmurations is prolific UK
producer Michael James. Spread across four cuts, the fifth vinyl release from the label -
MURM005 - continues to focus on essential, stripped-back, driving dancefloor energy with a
nostalgic edge. The Moving Music founder delivers exactly that throughout his four excursions
here, laced with infectiously swung grooves from top to bottom, synonymous with his sound.
"Ultra Realism" kicks off the record with heady peak-time action, its enormous elastic bassline
winding itself around intricately arranged, skippy drums, rarely letting up as the track evolves.
Dubby, golden-era tech house sounds arrive on the A2, titled "More Of That", a fitting name for
this after-hours future anthem.
As we land on the B-side, we're greeted by "Lazy River Express", another slick encounter with a
distinctly charming attitude to it. Hard not to move to this one. Rounding off the EP is another
example of punchy, rolling action, begging to be played loud. "Stargazer" leaves us with a crisp
yet dreamy finish, rounding off the EP with another standout cut for the record bag.
In its early days, Leo Christopher has managed to build a sought-after catalogue with the
Murmurations imprint, and long may that continue. The curation is always one step ahead, and
the label has very quickly become a buy on sight imprint for devoted diggers. An exciting
combination here as a growing label joins forces with a staple name on the UK circuit.