From studying music at Oxford University, to starting one of the early live electronic acts (Beat Foundation) in the 90’s with Andy Cato of Groove Armada, to writing a string of underground club hits on his label Playtime, Mike Monday has consistently stood apart from the crowd. His two albums ‘Smorgasboard’ and ‘Songs without Words’ released on OM records last September, ably demonstrate his power and aptitude for the dancefloor. With his monthly podcast “Monday Club”, a regular blog “The Unanswered Question”, as well as worldwide album tour DJ dates you wouldn’t expect him to have much time for anything else. But he has decided to go back to his performance roots and come up with a live show – that promises to be spontanious and dangerous. He’s also been collaborating with Simple’s Will Saul in recent months – their single ‘Zippo’ is released on Buzzin’ Fly in February and their already hard at work in the studio again for the follow up.
If anyone knows how to lovingly craft a big hook it’s Mike Monday. His single ‘Bhalobashi’ has been Simple’s biggest selling single of all time. ‘Zwivetty’ is seriously infectious, weird and wonky disco absolutely bursting with soul and character, treading the line between organic and electronic perfectly. Drums that sound slightly out of control (in a good way), huge stabs and an ingeniously cut-up string sample. Think Sound Stream on acid. For the dub Mike takes out the stabs and builds the tension around the strings. Played back to back they are devastating combination. ‘Mr.Gone’ is an altogether different proposition. Undulating techno with de-tuned guitar licks, an evil acid arp-line and perfectly off kilter percussion that all leads to a stunning ‘Squarepusher-esque’ bass-line solo by Mike himself.
– – – – TRACKLIST – – – –
A1. Zwivetty
A2. Zwubetty
B. Mr Gone