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Mat Playford's a name you rarely hear banded round dance music circles without adjectives such as "quality" and "talented" following just behind. The eclectic producer comes up trumps again here with the 'Tuning Issues' EP. Released on the UK's 'Paper Recordings', the three track EP is a blend of the melodic, the hypnotic, the sensual and the very different.

Genre wise then, it's a tough one to categorise with opening track 'Tuning Issues' in particular flirting with aspects of deep house, techno and tech-house. It's a nice track all the same, and while guest vocalist Kathy Diamond's vocals are subtle, they do add a nice touch to the track.

The dub remix on the other hand, is heavier and darker than the original. Playford's penchant for experimenting with contrasting sounds is again well represented, with this mix being infused with an acid sounding old school bass line. Certainly one for the scarier peak time end of the night, it's likely it'll garner more plays than the original. In short, it's more accessible sounding as a Dj tool and is thus easier to manipulate set wise. It starts tribal, before going techy, whereupon swathes of percussion are lashed in for good measure. The dub mix therefore, is the definitive highlight of the package. Not unlike fellow UK producer Simon Baker who experiments with an array of contrasting fx, there is also vast range to Playford's work which sets him apart from his contemporaries.

Final track, 'Distant Cosmic Shore' is a carefree, summery sounding number, with a dash of italo-house and a healthy dose of 80's Ibizan spirit. Basically, it's the kind of record you'd hear Jon Sa Trinxa play on Ibiza's famous Salinas beach. Warm and lush, it's the perfect track to neck a cocktail to. If it's escapism you're after in the cold months ahead, you could do worse than reaching for the 'Tuning Issues' EP.

Artist: Mat Playford Title: Tuning Issues EP Label: Paperecordings Tracklist Tuning Issues feat. Kathy Diamond Tuning Issues (Is That What You Really Want Dub) Distant Cosmic Shore www.paperecordings.com www.myspace.com/matplayford Our Rating: 6/10