Makèz
Midnight Time EP

Makèz deliver the perfect follow up to their hit ‘Downstream’ with L.A.artist Life on Planets.

Dutch Duo Makèz had their big break when we released their fi rst recordon Heist in 2019, but it’s safe to say that ‘Downstream’ (on No Artrecords) has taken things to the next level for the talented Amsterdamduo. With support from pretty much the whole of Radio 1 (Pete Tong,Jaguar, Sarah Story, Danny Howard and more), and club DJ’s across theboard ranging from ANOTR to Louie Vega, their fall 2023 release hasreally been a dream collab with vocalist and producer Life on Planets.It’s only fi tting that the duo comes home to Heist with their follow upEP: ‘Midnight time’.

This new EP is a perfect blend of the intricate, soulful songs and punchyclub tracks we’ve come to love from Makèz, On the A-side, we’ve gotthe jazz cut ‘Closer’ with AVA LAVÁ, who fans will remember from theirHoly Sun EP on Heist. ‘Closer’ is equally laidback, full of textures andrich musical elements and a perfect mood-setter for the EP.

Next is ‘Running from the noise’ with Life on Planets on vocals. This isthe follow up to Downstream that simply had to happen. It’s just asbreezy and eff ortless as the duo’s biggest hit to date, but goes evendeeper and minimalistic, taking you on a vibe that resembles the soundof that classic 100% Galcher mixtape/album from 2013. There’sdefi nitely something in the air when these artists get together in thestudio; The music is warm, fuzzy, and inviting, but most importantly,just about as sexy as can be.

‘Midnight time’ is another collaboration with AVA LAVÁ, and takes the EPinto the club realm, while still keeping things jazzy. Lush Rhodes chordsand a rolling live bass form the basis, while the young vocalist seems tofreestyle her way through the track, much in a way an MC would do toget the crowd going. Everything about this track is infectious and youcan just feel this go off in a club.

That club is exactly where we end up on the B-side, with ‘The Answer’and ‘Gratitude’. Both have their own direction; ‘The Answer’ is aChicago-inspired jam with acid licks, a powerful male vocal and clean909 drums, where ‘Gratitude’ goes deeper with its haunting strings,clever vocal chops and loops and synths that somehow resemble staticnoise from an old radio. With their ‘Midnight Time’ EP, Makèz treat us toa gorgeous journey through their sonic world, a place we’re happy to

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hang out for a long, long time.

As always, enjoy the music and play it loud!

Lars & Maarten