Normalize artists moving away from Berlin. Start with Gratts. Having an optimistic outlook, “Sun Circles” is framed as a welcome to South Australia rather than a kiss off from TechnoDisney, and indeed you can feel the sun’s rays on his skin on the original mix of the single released by Be Strong Be Free.
Written for his sons (it was a good enough pun for Shakespeare), “Sun Circles” is a soulful scoop of Balearica, soaring high with jazz-inflected vocals by Mr Beale but grounded to earth by a beautifully lingering bass line. The vocal is what sticks: the distinctive voice of Beale is by turns ambling and casual and then powerful, and in a spiritual manner. This is also one of the few times I think the radio edit is vastly better for listening — a teachable thing here as a lesson in context-aware arrangement. Alex Kassian adds a flair of the dramatic on the remix. Wonderful song with stunning performances.
Gratts ft Nathan Haines & Mr Beale: Sun Circles (Be Strong Be Free / February 2023 / 12″ Vinyl + Digital)
1. Gratts ft Nathan Haines & Mr Beale: Sun Circles (Original Version) (07:22)
2. Gratts ft Nathan Haines & Mr Beale: Sun Circles (Full Instrumental) (07:06)
3. Gratts ft Nathan Haines & Mr Beale: Sun Circles (Alex Kassian Remix) (08:41)
4. Gratts ft Nathan Haines & Mr Beale: Sun Circles (Alex Kassian Instrumental) (08:38)
5. Gratts ft Nathan Haines & Mr Beale: Sun Circles (Radio Edit) (03:53)
6. Gratts ft Nathan Haines & Mr Beale: Sun Circles (Secret Reprise) (01:35)
⚪️ Disclosure Statement: This record was submitted as a promo.
Previous Coverage:
#ListenUp Gratts & Robert Owens sing of a Brighter Future (2022)
Glenn Davis – RISE vol 2 (2022)
The High Life: This was originally published in 5 Mag Issue #205 featuring Orlando Voorn, Mira Ló, Victor Simonelli, Carly Wilford, Maxime Dangles, Turbojazz and more. Help keep our vibe alive and our shine bright by becoming a member for $2/month and get every issue in your inbox right away!
