Smokin' Sessions, Vol. 31

For this EP, South-African born Jason Beukes aka Escapism Refuge lands on London's Smokin' Sessions for the label's 2nd release of 2017. Continuing the label's legacy of atmospheric electronic beats, Beukes has crafted a set of tracks which take influence from producers such as Synkro, Phaeleh and Burial, but which look to the future of this sound through use of updated production techniques and a more expansive sound palette.

Following on from Red Lights EP, this release will feature a selection of tracks - each a different take on the subtle and mesmerizing 140bpm sound Escapism Refuge is becoming known for.

Beukes' personal influences - from Radiohead, through Aphex Twin, to De La Soul - are all evident here. On the A1, 'Joker' channels a neo-soul vibe through its use of soft, steelpan-like pads and whirling strings. 'No Signal' on the B1 feels spacey and free, yet with an underlying tension created by the track's constantly changing chord progression. B2 'Red Lights' uses a catchy synth line and powerful drums to create an uplifting finish to the release.

Escapism Refuge's previous efforts have gained impressive DJ support from across the scene, from figures such as Gilles Peterson at BBC Radio 6 Music, Lefto, Joe Kay at Soulection and Dom Servini at Wah Wah 45s.