Californian Julian Smith has assumed a few aliases. He first came to my attention while using the name Don Froth. His debut 12 – Foam / Uptown Fade – caused a bit of a commotion on the DJHistory.com forum back in 2009. Rumour had it that he was also engineering for DJ Harvey. In 2016 he set up his own label, Snake Free Roofing, and adopted the moniker Jane In Palma. Now based in The Balearics Julian has resurfaced as Julio J. Releasing two E.P.s titled Rhythm Vault 1 & 2.

Both demonstrate, with four tracks apiece, a modern house sound that’s travelled through broken beat and UKG. The 4 / 4s are fixed tight, but they’re accompanied by irregular, inventive percussive patterns. These punchy productions showcasing some stunning sound separation, with a clarity to each element / instrument that ensures there’s always a great sense of depth and space. Effectively a set of dynamite dance floor dubs, when deployed, the echo is cavernous.

Jumping jazzy B-lines bump against woodwinds and bells in NYC garage-esque grooves. There are nods toward Detroit in the melodies’ futuristic / alien / off-world keys. Cymbals crash in Chicago conniption fits. Prescription / Balance Records classics, such as the OG reprise of Forever Monna, may well have been an influence. The same can be said for The Burrell Brothers’ deepest moments.

Disco samples synergise with synthesised bleeps. Romantic stringed soaked paradise house, complete with a computerised celestial choir, meets techno / electro-tinged beats. Warm soothing swells temper spikes of acidic after-hours, post-peak jack. The bass throughout is brutal. All of it is understated, masterfully crafted, very classy, underground gear.

Rhythm Vault 1 & 2 can be ordered directly from SFR. 

A big thank you to Jez Proctor for the heads up.