Matt Edwards drops his eagerly anticipated debut Radio Slave album Feel The Same via his Rekids imprint. Easily his most recognisable nom de plume, Radio Slave was initially Matt’s pseudonym for remixes, with early reinterpretations of Kylie Minogue and New Order leading into frequent work for both major and independent labels. He’s now indisputably one of House and Techno’s most in-demand remixers, whilst original Radio Slave productions have gone on to appear via reputable imprints like Running Back, R&S, Ostgut Ton, Nonplus and Work Them Records. Now, more than 10 years since Rekids' inception and with over 100 releases under its belt, the influential figure releases his debut Radio Slave album; a masterpiece of sophisticated electronic music that evokes the early spirit of dance music yet continues to forge his reputation as a cutting edge and innovative producer. The album is a culmination of years as a DJ, producer and remixer; with influences spanning a range of genres such as breaks and jungle, acid, Balearic, ambient, dub, Chicago and also vocal samples exemplary of the Radio Slave sound. Opening with the beatless 2nd Home, with its murky tones and field recordings, the album navigates between syncopated beats and ethereal voices as found in ‘Forana’, as well as screeching synths and moody basslines like in Trans. More high tempo cuts like Geisterstadt see Edwards shift towards electro, whereas heady breakbeats lay the foundation for With You. Alongside the album’s title track Feel The Same, No Words / Just This is one of the most dancefloor focused cuts with its driving energy and metallic synths, while Axis and Draw see the producer venture towards a more minimal aesthetic. Exhibiting many of his signature production abilities whilst also demonstrating his more experimental side, Feel The Same is an exceptional body of work that exemplifies Matt Edwards’ production and music writing, reaching a new level of sophistication. From start to finish the album is a testament to his versatility as an artist and a definitive full-length by one of electronic music’s most pivotal figures.
