88

Ukrainian vinyl label ARTREFORM significantlyraises the stakes as its important anniversary (a soon-to-be-released 50^threcord) is gradually approaching. ARR048 is a double record, including three originaltracks by Romanian producer Funky Trip and four Barac, Petit Batou, Lorgu, andLukea remixes. ARTREFORM’s founder, Kyiv DJ and sound producer JOSS, obviouslytrusts and bets on Funky Trip’s talents, and this bet looks set to play out bigtime. Nicolae CatalinCimpoier (Funky Trip’s actual name) is a notablerepresentative of the new wave of the Romanian electronic scene that catapultedmany stars to global fame. Thanks to a series of successful releases on RawaxMusic and Stamp Records Paris, this Bucharest musician perfected hisrecognizable sound of crystal-clear minimal house, embellished with warmemotions and exquisite, shimmering melodies. Now it’s high time Funky Triptransitioned to vinyl!

Is it a double infinity sign? Or is it theyear techno moved over from the States to Europe? Or maybe it’s a birthdate?Most probably, only Funky Trip is privy to what “88” in the title of his newrelease on ARTREFORM stands for. Surely enough, this knowledge is shared by MiaZedan, a singer, musician, and producer from Bucharest, who has collaboratedwith Funky Trip on this track. However, other numbers are crucial for theARTREFORM boss and renowned Ukrainian DJ Joss. With this 48^th vinyldrop, he’s building up the hype and anticipation for ARTREFORM’s anniversary 50^threlease, culminating more than ten years of the label’s history. Still, “88” isonly the first part of a double record, with a sequel promptly following. Thefirst serving delivers distinctive minimal house production, with which FunkyTrip and Mia Zedan organically combine ascetic grooves with playful, catchymelodies. On a separate note, two splendid remixes that round up the releaseare worth highlighting. Petit Batou, a producer and vinyl enthusiast fromParis, rendered “88” into some classic intelligent deep house a la Move D. Atthe same time, famous Romanian Barac turned the track into a club-oriented techhouse number in his signature style.