Mannheim based Ray Okpara is not a new face into our family as we already got him with “Re Drumming” into our latest various artists compilation. This time he makes his debut with an original solo EP, which includes an amazing remix by Romanian duo NTFO (20/20 Vision, Dyinamic, Objektivity). Hailing from Nigeria, but now based in Germany, Ray is one of the heavyweight into the European scene with several appearances on Anja Schneider’s “Mobilee” and Nic Fanciulli’s “Saved” to name few.
His brand new original three-tracker called “Sligerstai” EP starts with entitled main track: a techno tune which shows both Ray’s melodic and percussive touch. It features an essential groove, drum fills, ethereal pads and dreamy atmospheres and the result it’s just impressive.
The guys from NTFO adapt their peculiar trademark for a super groovy house remix where an energetic tight groove meets some punchy rimshots, 909 drums and seductive synths. All the elements are lovely melt together over its seven minutes ride and make of this track a perfect opening tool.
Next up is “Melodram” and as the name suggests is a slow builder techno track with melancholy atmospheres, classic piano improvisations and analog evolving textures. The whole track is surrounded by weird instrumental sounds, that all add up to one mind blowing trip.
Closing is “Tiger Classic” which has a more deep and quite-jazzy approach compared to the others. The analogue bassline meets splashing hits and robbery drums and the track is arranged like a true amazing jam session, where the acid 303 lines constantly take part into the track with his characteristic squelchy sound.