The final release of the year for Rothmans is courtesy of the ever-elusive producer Dawn Again. The New York based Aussie gets the ball rolling with his debut release, The Johan Cruyff E.P.
With 2 sides of original content, Dawn Again pays homage to The Saviour, as he became known. The 12th release on Rothmans takes on many of Cruyff’s characteristics and it is cleary a winner on the dancefloor just as he was on the football pitch. We begin with “Coloured Pens”, an ever-building churner of mesmerising synths. “The Italian” is a stripped back, measured track with percussive elements emerging out of a warm bassline. As with The Godfather of Total Football, this release isn’t fixed to any specific genre either.
On the flip, “Plain of Jar” is a balaeric odyssey, with popping percussion and rising organ notes creating a contrasting atmosphere. A piercing synth consistently rises and falls, guiding the track’s energy by switching and swapping like a Cruyff turn. The final track is a collaboration with Seth Cobblespot, quite distinct from the rest of the release. Self-described as nonce-wave, everyone’s favourite new genre, “Lavender” has odd sirens and brass sampling layered over the moody nu-disco beat.
Rothmans are hitting good form with their 2 releases this year and as the transfer market opens in January, it looks like they could consolidate their position at the Top of the Pops. You can check Rothman’s manager playing out the label releases as well as a number of killer tracks from the substitute bench at Buyers Club, most Friday nights.
The Johan Cruyff E.P. by Dawn Again is available to buy now.
A1: Coloured Pens
A2: The Italian
B1: Plain of Jar
B2: Lavender (featuring Seth Cobblepot)
