Slick feel-good moves on Stephen Day's 'I Want Your Love' EP

Toby Doman sheds light on a polished new release from the Singapore-based producer

Words by Toby Doman.

Belfast’s Seven Music are on a mission to give us “quality music free from constraints and trends.” Their new EP from Stephen Day delivers on that promise by dropping three expertly crafted slices of modern house and disco, proudly flying the flag for Singapore’s dance music production community. But hang on a second, what’s the link between Northern Ireland and Singapore you ask?

Having cut his teeth as a DJ in the British house music scene years ago, Day decided to stay put after a Ministry of Sound Asia tour dropped him off in Singapore. His latest offering – a new E.P. titled ‘I Want Your Love’ has been picked up by Seven Music and comes on the heels of a well-received release on Marc Cotterell’s Plastik People Digital earlier in the year.

Lead track, ‘I Want Your Love’, kicks us off with a sparkling combination of slap bass, luscious synth sweeps and choppy female vocals knitting things together. So far, so smooth.

‘My Life’ takes a bouncier route, combining those trademark synths once again, this time with subtle piano-led chord changes, lending this track a ‘sun-up or sundown’ type of vibe, depending on how your night is panning out. It’s a track that takes its cues from classic exponents of well-made grooves, a respectful nod and a wink to Greg Wilson, Lovebirds and Fingerman.

For last orders, the package is rounded off by a slightly trackier affair. ‘I Realize’ evokes the spirit of late 90s classic house by employing the languid percussive sequencing associated with early Kerri Chandler releases. A rumbling bassline – which will surely rattle a few bins as part of any self-respecting warm-up set – provides some welcome bottom end for this more club-friendly cut.

In truth, this is a versatile package that suits early hours grooving in a dark club or as the soundtrack to a well-made Old Fashioned on a rooftop somewhere. With early support from the likes of Dicky Trisco, Sebb Junior and Faze Action, it’s a release that can put a smile on your face and a spring in your step. No easy task at times like these.