I-Robots – We Are Opilec Vol. III

The much loved We Are Opilec! compilation series hits volume number three this summer, featuring tracks from new talents across the globe compiled by label boss I-Robots.  The newest addition to the Opilec Music discography certainly fits the motto of the imprint that “no sound is taboo” mixing together Jazz, African, Latin, Electronica, Techno and Disco.

The opening track for the compilation comes from Afrodyssey Orchestra, an instrumental ensemble from Athens whose influences span jazz, funk, psychedelic, traditional West African dance music and percussion as well as Greek musical culture.  ‘Disco Mountain’ is full of funk, organic trumpet lines and skipping drums.

Next up is Djembe Monks, a trio from Zimbabwe that merge house music and African percussion into one. Infectious and rhythmic, real percussionists are at the heart of the band and here ‘Kosomoro’ ft. Mzoe7 is a perfect summer tune with Afro vocals, dubby drums and soul infused chords.  After that, label boss I-Robots aka Gianluca Pandullo steps up. His ‘Glamouflage’ is a masterful concoction with fat bass riffs, tumbling toms and warm funk at its core.

Then comes Italian Mark Evemport, a DJ since he was 16 and someone who has a classic house sound rooted in the like of Keri Chandler and Louie Vega. He serves up ‘Klin’ which is a tangling deep techno cut with spine tingling chords and soft, shuffling drums that have the potetntial to sweep you off your feet.

The fifth offering is from another Italian, Mel, who takes cues from 80s synth and grunge bands as well a micro house and IDM, amongst other things.  His ‘Cut #1-2’, reconstructed by I-Robots, is a slick and quick techno track with real Detroit heritage in its minimalistic bones. Closing out the package is Popsicle’s ‘Wormhole’ which is a superb slice of transcendent cosmic disco with mournful synths hanging heavy in the air above driving drums and brooding bass.

Set for release on the 27th of July, the third edition of We Are Opilec is yet another masterclass in fusing massively different genres into one coherent and extremely listenable package.

Tracklist:

1. Afrodyssey Orchestra – Disco Mountain
2. Djembe Monks – Kosomoro ft. Mzoe7
3. I-Robots – Glamouflage
4. Mark Evemport – Klin
5. Mel – Cut #1-2 (I-Robots Reconstruction)
6. Popsicle – Wormhole