(Saw Recordings/Stomp)

This latest release from Japan’s Satoshi Tomiie is titled “ES” (prounouced S) and is available this June from SAW Recordings. This release is the artists first mix album in almost three years and contains fourteen dark chugging tunes that will remind you of the dirtier side of progressive. This release is the first in a two part series of which the second release will be titled ESB. Satoshi Tomiie has been an integral part of the progressive scene for many years and is known for the period where he was influenced by the darker, trancier European material much like the tunes played by Sasha, Digweed and Danny Tenaglia. After starting his label called Saw Recordings we have seen a string of more industrial sounding progressive releases including mix cds with his label partner Hector Romero. Having studied music from a very early age where he began on the piano and developed a passion for jazz, Satoshi has been involved in all aspects of the electronic music scene now for the last decade. He is responsible for an all time classic house track called ‘Tears’ during his collaboration with Frankie Knuckles and has created countless quality productions which have featured on compilations such as Global Underground and have slammed out throughout the world by all the leading progressive DJs.

‘ES’ kicks off with the feisty tech house tune Kevin Freeman – Time for Revolution complete with angry growling bass, subtle melody and lots of killer sampled sounds. Pastaboys – Tribute continues on the tech house vibe with a simple spoken word tune speckled with synths and simple spoken word lyrics. Satoshi’s edit of Avenue D – You Love This Ass is simply smothered in menacing 303s basslines over a tough simple beat and great tech house sounds, very cool tune with some tasty quirky melodies.

The mix continues with one quality tune after another all of which are slowly building the tough but quirky vibe of the mix. Bush II Bush – Piano Track plays as its name states and is a killer tech house piano driven number. Banrock – Sucker DJ’s present a predatory bassline and moody punk spoken vocals resulting in a very laid back tune with a unexpected bite. The monster bass of Demi – D Drive is thrown together with a familiar sounding acapella titled Roach Motel – This Beat Is Mine to give a very PQM feel to the tune. As the mix continues the killer tunes keep coming with the sharp and tough tech house of Peace Division – Peaces of Gold and a golden Satoshi edit of Chab’s – You and Me (Satoshi Tomile Es Edit), full of eerie strings and ebbing synth melodies.    

Later in the mix the variety keeps coming with Upfade – Friday Loops (Jhereal Mix). This tune slams down some awesome disco house with attitude that will no doubt bring a smile to your face, a track full of groovy bass and a tough funky vibe. UP – Yeahdancetomyrecordbitch is a huge tune and probably my highlight of the compilation. This track builds on the positive vibe of the previous track and rocks into some funky and smooth vocals that drift around the gentle trickle of synths.

Overall, this is a great compilation and once again secures Satoshi Tomiie’s reputation for quality driving progressive. It is clear from the quality of this release why he is Japan’s most successful International DJ and House producer. This first instalment is a good sign for fans of this style of music and many people will no doubt be looking forward to part two of this release (later this year) titled ESB. If you like names such as Chris Fortier, Sander Kleinenberg and Anthony Pappa then you will no doubt enjoy this release. I most definitely enjoyed this release and would have to recommend it highly to all fans of progressive and tech house.