Kyle Watson Takes a Dense, Wacky Route on “Road Trips”

The always-poppin’ bass label and lifestyle brand This Ain’t Bristol has carved a nice niche for itself on the global scene as purveyors of “Good Vibes House.” Johannesburg native Kyle Watson, who was sharing bootleg edits of Chase & Status in 2006, has quickly mastered a smooth blend of house and techno that is deep and buoyant. Born in 1988, the classical piano-trained South African producer and DJ tuned in to the international underground in 2009 while living in London, hanging out at Fabric, and eventually booking guest gigs at Ministry of Sound. Since then, his finely tuned ear has helped him reach the top of Beatport’s charts repeatedly, as well as earn props from marquee names like Chris Lake.

For his third EP, Road Trips, Watson continues on his unique, dense and funky route. The opener and title track is five solid minutes of dubby, shuffling house, punctuated by a playful hip-shaking rhythm. At moments, its thump and bounce remind us of Mark Farina’s Air Farina era. Road trips have long occupied a magical place in the human imagination. They offer escape, respite, and a chance to break away from daily doldrums, a change of scenery or perspective. On this EP, Watson shows us nuanced vistas of house with the promise of more exciting discoveries to come.

Buy the Road Trips EP here.

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