Metodi Hristov first Glasgow Underground release back in May (“Step Outside”) was cited by Matthias Tanzmann as his Number 1 record of the Ibiza season 2014. And it wasn’t only the Moonharbour main man who was all over Metodi’s alternative piano anthem, it was simply huge this summer, hammered by the likes of Seth Troxler, Audiojack, Detroit Swindle, Ramon Tapia, DJ T, Stefano Ritteri and Sidney Charles.
Following on from that, things have got bigger and better for the Bulgarian producer. He’s just had a top 5 tech house record with “More Than Ever” on Stefano Noferini’s Deeperfect label and has a killer release due on Audiojack’s always on-point Gruuv label. Here he teams up with Lyon’s Spencer K to deliver another tech-edged weapon for Glasgow Underground.
And if there was ever a record that did what it says on the tin it’s this one. “Basic Tricks” is raw house music at its very best. The kind of house that’s always worked: great beats, a simple hooky groove and the kind of wonky electronic noises that sound ace when your dancefloor enhancement potions are working their best magic.
While “Basic Tricks” might be the most immediate and dj-friendly cut on the release, “Bug’s Life” is Hristov’s most adventurous work to date and is arguably the more brilliant of the two. The clever soundscape is so impeccably put together you’d be forgiven for thinking you were listening to a Four Tet record. However, this isn’t some left-field work, the groove here is so driving, yet also so warm and organic that nothing sounds clichéd and it works amazingly on the dancefloor.