Weekend Weapons: Murphy Jax

Weekend Weapons: Murphy Jax

29 June, 2011 | 5.02AM

• Written by: Beatportal
• Filed under: Music News: clone, creme organization, murphy jax, turbo

No matter how you spell it, when you name yourself “Jax” (or “Jaxx” or “Jaks” or “Jacks"—although not necessarily “Jacques"), you’re making a pretty clear bid for a very specific lineage: Chicago, acid, 303s, 909s, minimalist muscle, analog delirium.

Based in Berlin, Murphy Jax definitely checks all the right (sweat)boxes: his records for Clone Jack For Daze, My Favorite Robot Records and now Turbo are faithful to a classic late-’80s/early-’90s aesthetic, with cavernous kicks, claustrophobic reverb and a heavy dry-ice vibe. But just because they’re throwback doesn’t mean they’re tossed-off. Quite the opposite: Murphy’s acid nouveau is as artful as it comes. (You don’t get Mike Dunn to guest on your tracks without bringing some serious skills to the table, after all.)

With his new EP fresh out on Tiga’s Turbo Recordings, we asked Murphy to share some of his current favorite jams; unsurprisingly, they’re all jaxxx to the maxxx. Read on to check out his picks from labels like Creme Organization, Mathematics, and Throne of Blood.

Myriadd, “Beyond This Life” [Crème Organization]

Not very often to find nowadays, true analogue sound. Acid house will be always one of my favorites, and guys like him keep it alive!

Takeshi Kouzuki, “A Lost Japan” [Mathematics]

This piece is just a wonderful way to integrate jazzy melodies inside a nice, clubby flow. Although it sounds random in some ways, it’s all planed and well arranged. Will play out that track heavily. Very good work, Takeshi.

Alex Niggemann, “Lately” [Poker Flat]

This one just caught me: old-school dark vocals, modern house grooves. Simplicity is the key that makes people go crazy on the dancefloor.

Murphy Jax, “Kevin Spacy (Orgue Electronique Remix)”

Murphy Jax - Kevin Spacy (Orgue Electronique Remix) by Murphy Jax

When I handed over the parts for that track, I didn’t have any idea what might come out. And then, I got this wonderful bomb from Orgue Electronique. True respect for a wonderful producer!

Bicep, “Silk” [Throne Of Blood]

Nice minimalistic track with a well-balanced bassline and playful raw melodies. Feel My Bicep is not just only a top blog, they do a lot for the scene of high-quality electronic club sounds.

Chicago Shags, “Irrational Excess” [Crème Organization]

Massive acid explosion here. Reminds me of the beginning of acid techno in the ‘80s. Kept very monotone and works its way through your head. Hypnotic voices!

Murphy Jax, “We Dance” [Turbo]

Even being one of my own tracks, which I usually don’t favor so much, this one is special, ‘cause it transports a sort of feeling about society, which is highly important to shout out. Casualness and egoism are no base any more. Globalization, but lesser social contacts. Get back to the roots with a sense of community.

Nick Hoppner, “She Parked Herself” [Ostgut Ton]

The head of the Ostgut Ton label delivers an appreciated, Detroit-ish, deep and still modern sounding track. Very basic in its own way. I like the simplicity once again.

Dirt Crew, “Groove (Good Guy Mikesh & Filburt Remix)” [Dirt Crew Recordings]

Good Guy Mikesh and Filburt, known for packed feelings inside electronic music. New electronic disco version with nice strings and a smooth groove. Keeps the feet moving while being inside a dreamy atmosphere.

Dance Disorder, Metallic Italic (Jeremy Glenn Club Mix)” [Bpitch Control]

Being a fan of Dance Disorder—and already worked with them on one of my last releases on My Favorite Robot—that remixed version caught my feet.

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