Artist: Guy J
Title: Self Love EP
Label: Proton Music
By: Simon Jones | 8 March 2007
Tracklist:

• 1. Self Love
• 2. Ear Cannal
• 3. Star Attack

Guy J "Self Love EP"

Whilst Guy Gerber and Shlomi Aber may be the two most prominent Israeli producers at the moment, there is also new blood that have already begun to begin their ascension to such dizzy heights as their fellow countrymen. The first is Chaim, who's collaborative work with Gerber and his own EPs on labels such as Love Minus Zero and Hi Freaks have already received some widespread recognition. The second is Guy J, a producer whose status has grown considerably since his debut on Deep Focus towards the end of 2006, and ahead of upcoming projects for labels that include Global Underground and Audio Therapy, he delivers his second EP for Proton Music - the 'Self Love' EP.

The lead track of the EP is also the title track, and as someone who has followed Guy's career for several months - this is my favourite of his tracks to date. Sitting somewhere between tech house and electronic synth music, it's rich melodic arrangement and bubbling textures are both enchanting and engaging, as Guy J produces a brilliant piece of modern shoegaze music that can easily stand side by side with some of the classics from that genre.

'Ear Canal' takes things off on a wide tangent by comparison, a vibrating electronic bass groove and acidic stabs contributing to this techno-edged dancefloor track. Comparison is likely to be drawn to some of the music from Holden's 'The Idiots Are Winning' EP, by no means a bad thing, but it's defining moment is when the strings ebb and flow their way through the track.

The EP is closed by 'Star Attack', which is probably the most straight up club track of the three featured on the 'Self Love EP'. If it highlights one thing, it's how capable Guy is at creating music within a wide variety of genres. The driving bassline and chord and key progression of the track is second to none, and is the perfect bookend to a stunning EP.

Guy J hits a home run with his most complete "body of work" to date. As someone whom within the bigger picture is only just emerging, I declare that everyone should keep a very close eye on this very promising talent, as this is just the beginning for someone who could be at the same level as some of his predecessors sooner rather than later.