Hidden Spheres helps Sound Of Speed Records celebrate 20 years of immaculate output

Tokyo-based label Sound Of present the second volume of their 20th anniversary schedule with a magnificent four-track EP.

While retaining the deep house sensibilities for which the label is best known, the EP offers a subtle departure from the signature heads-down bump by showcasing sounds from the more horizontal end of the genre's sonic spectrum. Born out of an events series of the same name that began in Tokyo in the late '90s, the fact that Sound Of Speed Records have been able to survive and flourish is testament to the extraordinarily high bar they've set themselves when it comes to quality control. Over the years, they've presented cutting edge music from the likes of DJ Nature, Jimpster, Aybee, Luke Vibert, Lay-Far, and countless others, and the first episode of their 20-year anniversary release included exceptional music from Project Pablo, Benedek, Ogawa & Tokoro, and Svetozar.

Part two sees the label invite a trio of regular contributors in Kuniyuki, Satoshi, and K 15, alongside one of the standout talents to emerge from the UK in recent years, Manchester's Hidden Spheres. The EP opens with K 15's 'Unconditional Positive Regard', a delightfully jazz-inclined number that sees spirited synth solos combine expertly with lush electric piano chords, soaring strings, and rolling drums. Next up, Hidden Sphere's 'Strangeways' again bursts with jazz influences, as squelchy synth bass, sprightly xylophone hits, and intergalactic synths interlock for a compelling midtempo voyage. On the reverse, Satoshi and Kuniyuki join forces to stunning effect on 'New Dawn', where hypnotic percussion and stripped drums propel ever-building harmonics layers and dramatic synth/string stabs. Bringing things to a close, Sapporo production don Kuniyuki does what only he can do, as solo track 'Golden' blends loose drum patterns with emotive synth layers and powerfully rich bass notes.

Fantastic work all round and a fitting collection to celebrate the labels impressive milestone. Here's to 20 more years at the forefront of the Asian deep.

20 Years Of Sound Of Speed Records vol.2 is out now, you can buy it here