Tilman - United Scripts (2021)

Tilman is back again on the Shall Not Fade Seasons Series imprint. The German producer, who specialises in pumping, jazz-inflected house, brings the positivity of his personality into his music - ‘United Scripts’, his longest release yet, has the sweet sounds of summer interwoven throughout.

The EP sees him moving away from sample-heavy house, although the first track ‘Relax Yourself’ is still a sample-driven house piece that is classic Tilman. In contrast, ‘By All Means’ beautifully showcases his abilities as an instrumentalist - sublime keys that are interspersed with singer Louisa Laos’ R&B vocals. It’s the first time Tilman has worked with a singer, and a standout moment in the record, a song with potential beyond the club. ‘Beauty In The Dark’ uses peaceful flute stabs to contrast with a real deep bassline; somewhat dreamy, but still a danceable roller. The A-side closes with ‘Sound Issue 84’, definitely another dance tool, a tight hi-hat contrasted with dubbed out chords that hypnotise.

Tilman says ‘Vice Versa’ is “the love song of the EP”. Real classic house vibes on this one; melodic piano that feels totally alluring - something to spark a dancefloor romance. ‘Mercury Hill’ builds into maximalism, a shimmering eclectic collection of sounds. ‘Say Good Bye’ takes a real 90s house approach - it wouldn’t be out of place in the golden Ibiza summers, and leads well into ‘Make You Hot’. The record closing track has a sound that sums up the EP overall: grooving upbeat music built to make you smile. Digital bonus track, ‘Lemon Venom‘, is also a hidden gem...smooth, swinging chords that build up into a glimmering crescendo of plucky melody, it’s a euphoric club heater.