Franky Wah – Next Life & Nightfall [Shen]

UK talent, Franky Wah launches his own Shen imprint with two slices of underground gold, following on from this year’s huge ’Hide’ single ft. Robinson.Franky has a clear passion for emotive trance chords and big house drums with his slick studio efforts having picked up key radio support from tastemakers like Annie Mac and Pete Tong, while high profile club plays have come from the likes of Solomun and Tale of Us.

All this comes after the classically trained pianist has left a trail of dance floor destruction in his wake with notable gigs everywhere from Glastonbury to Hideout, Abode Festival and to a famous after- hours set at Tobacco Dock. Now he takes the next logical step with the launch of his own label, Shen, and what better way to kick of proceedings than with a killer release from the man himself, one that once again shows off his limitless creativity and unique grasp of musical sensitivity.

Superb opener ‘Next Life’ is an emotional roller coaster of the highest order: the slick synths shimmer and shine up top like a heavenly vision, with rolling drums getting you deep into the groove. It’s the sort of hugely atmospheric track that will form the high point of any set and have crowds in raptures.

On the flip, Wah exhibits a totally different sound with ‘Nightfall’, offering dusty breakbeats and a rugged groove that is overlaid with tender chords and twinkling cosmic keys. Deft vocal murmurs are stitched into the mix and once again this one will sweep clubbers off their feet and carry them away on a blissed out wave of emotion. These are two expertly crafted tunes that offer real dance music poignancy way beyond the norm and mark another high point for this mostly hotly tipped artist.