Dubelle Oh XX (JVIP)
Dope tune, which completely switches up half way through. About 3:30 in there is a big drop, with a brooding techno beat accompanied by OOHHH YEAAAAHHH, before the melody sneaks back in.
It's Only Real
His stand out release from 2015, and my favourite song by him so far... featuring beautiful synth melodies which slowly crescendo, layered on top of some wicked drums. For me, it's the percussion that stands out here! Shuffling high hats atop a heavy kick create a pulsating beat. Slightly minimalist in some respects, but give it a few listens and you'll be groovin.
Finally, check out his March 2018 Essential Mix on BBC Radio 1: full of high energy house, driving techno, then sprinkled with disco / soul vocals -- and what sounds like samples of his Scottish friends chatting about random stuff. Seems strange but with his mixing skills, it works.
Best song of the mix? At 1:25:30, Denis mixes in an absolute belter: MALL GRAB - FEEL GOOD HOUSE (Elliot Adamson EAcapella). Has there ever been a more aptly named song? Sampling "Time to Move", a 1984 tune by Carmen - this is a slice of disco house heaven; one of those songs you can't help but dance to! 🕺🎶🎹 🔊
Oh and as for his name? In his own words:
"I started as Atlus and the music I was making under that alias was very dark. I was a wee lad and you think, at that time, that you’re up against it and that you and your problems are the most important thing in the world. Evenutally I changed my tune to become a little less miserable and I felt I needed a name that suited the music I needed to make. So Atlus backwards is obviously Sulta and Denis, I thought it was going to work well because I wanted something quite cheeky. Originally Denis was going to be spelt with two Ns but when the record came there was a typo and it only came with one, so eventually all the guys were like, “it looks better like that”, which I'm not glad about."
Truuuuus me daddy: keep an 👁️ on DENIS SULTA. This youngster is already carving out his own unique sound, and certainly has a bright future ahead of him (even if him spelling Denis with one 'n' was a happy accident! 😆). Much love and happy dancing.
