Emapea – Smuggling Town

Cold Busted and Polish beat-master Emapea come together to deliver a deft slab of seven-inch wax. Four tracks that slip and slide through a sonic village of tough rhythms and captured samples — that's Smuggling Town. Emapea goes 'meta' on the first track as "7 Inch" is a crafty ode to the beloved vinyl format over a boom-bap soundtrack. "True Fam" follows on a jazzier tip, as pianos, horns, and a drum loop march take on a laid-back vibe. Flip the wax for the title cut which feels suitably like a city street at night, covert hijinks in progress. The record closes with "Takeover," carefully raising the beat intensity as keys, flute hits, and an ominous atmosphere raid the stereo field.