shaka: about love and pain
Francisco Espregueira
Spain's impeccable Mate Records continues its streak of delivering high-quality deep house with its 22nd release, About Love And Pain. This time around, the label has tapped the veteran Swiss producer Shaka (Kurt Spichiger) to get in charge of the party music, and the result is a masterclass in emotive, jazz-inflected rhythms. Known for his sophisticated output on heavy-hitting imprints like Local Talk and Vibes and Grooves, Shaka opens the affair with the title track, "Love & Pain." It’s a cut that deftly balances the duality of romance, transforming complex emotions into a feel-good groove anchored by happy, musical chords that seem to float effortlessly over a solid beat.
Across the EP, Shaka leans into texture and restraint. “Sonic Of Joy” brings Eve’s vocals into a loose, jazzy flow, carried by playful synth lines and expressive piano touches that feel almost conversational. Closing cut “Inner Balance” slows the pulse just enough, letting organ tones drift over soft kicks and subtle percussion. Released via Mate Records, About Love And Pain feels like a small, carefully shaped statement, calm on the surface, but rich with feeling underneath. Available on vinyl.