byron the aquarius: what up doe? vol. 2
Francisco Espregueira
Byron The Aquarius was probably the most featured artist around here in 2020. It has been a year in which the Atlanta-based producer definitely stepped up into the olympus of the deep house scene, following essential releases on Apron Records, with the Apron EP, on Jeff Mills’ Axis Records, with the fantastic Ambrosia LP, and on Shall Not Fade, with What Up Doe? Vol. 1. We return with the 2nd volume of the What Up Doe? EP’s, again by Shall Not Fade, to celebrate the imprint’s 50th release after 5 years - the keyboardist, DJ and producer marks the label’s milestone release perfectly.
Having dropped last friday, What Up Doe? Vol. 2 is a sunsoaked house affair with a penchant for acid lines, jazz inspired keys and a bumpin’ groove. Byron gives us a sonic masterclass - floating around dusty hip hop beats and daydreams, futuristic acid lines, jazzy melodies and crunchy percussion, sci-fi vibes and soulful, infectious house music. It’s him at his best, paying homage to Shall Not Fade’s rich history of eclectic releases. What Up Doe? Vol. 2 is available in vinyl, by the inimitable and talented Byron The Aquarius.