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If you've never been to the highlands of Scotland, but you like house music and beautiful scenery, then you have a new travel destination. You'll find in Northern Scotland some of the world's most beautiful mountains and the home to a handful of amazing electronic producers. Highland Sound Council is one example, the alias of Inverness DJ Mark Mackenzie on FlyBoy Records. You're hearing an exclusive first listen for EARMILK's audience.
The lead single "Downtown" is designed to induce summer grooves that you just can't get rid of. The upbeat melody and rhythmic beat combined together with an occasional change in the keys is bound to leave a smile on your face. Highland Soul Council draws upon samples from Cloud One's "Disco Juice", taking the original elements and influencing them with a catchy house touch.
"Polo" is a slower and more atmospheric approach from the other songs on the EP, which is part of why it stands out so much. If you were to combine Bonobo's melodic style with a house musician's mind, then you would likely end up with a similar sounding song. Highland Soul Council pushes into new boundaries with a soft exit that seems like it's drifted away in a loch.
The last single on the EP is "Fitfths of July", which brings the sound score back to the soul-infused style apparent on "Downtown", which seems characteristic of the new alias already. Throughout the song, there is a gentle synth that follows an enchanting route that brings you back to where you started, leaving you wanting to press play all over again.
Connect with Highland Soul Council: Soundcloud | Facebook