For SRS010, the label has revived James “The Magus Project” Banbury’s 1992 rave moniker for a special double EP release titled ‘THEN / NOW.’ The Magus Project originally launched 30 years ago on Rhythm King Records, the pioneering British electronic label that fronted acts like Moby, Bomb The Bass, Baby Ford, Leftfield and S-Express, and helped grow and distribute then fledgling labels R&S and Warp Records.

‘THEN / NOW’ Part 1 features two new releases; the EP’s title track - a bleep-y hardcore symphony that sets pace for meancing hit “Don’t Do It.” Two remixes of TMP’s 1991 anthems “High Counters” and “Agnostalgic” receive follow up. The former from Tru Thought’s West London broken beat revivalist WheelUp, and the latter from Hong Kong experimental producer ASJ (Absurd Trax) who deconstructs the nostalgic club track to create a brazenly orbiting electronica piece.

Part 2 opens with the hedonistic “No Guest List.” “Absolute Unit” follows suit with an acid, squelching Roland TB-303 indulgence. The third number harks back to the OG collaboration “Shoss” with jungle and drum & bass icon DJ Bryan Gee of V Recordings whereby Berlin producer and Planet Mu affiliate Knox-Om-Pax delivers an an unhinged melodic remix. Rounding the EP out is a remix to “High Counters” - a modern hardcore breakbeat from Hong Kong-via-NL hardware specialist Rec Mirage.

The cover for the two-part EPs is shot by Hong Kong fashion photographer and creative director Kary Kwok who captured a couple at London’s ‘Alternative Miss World’ competition in 1995. The co-designed vinyl sleeve from Kary continues to explore the label's relationship between music, art and image-making in the club world. 

credits

released April 1, 2022

Production and mix: The Magus Project
Studio: Component, Hong Kong
Mastering: Antony Ryan at Red Red Paw
Written by: James Banbury
Remixers: Danny Wheeler, Charlisha Leung
A&R: Arthur Bray
Photography: Kary Kwok
Design: Silk Road Sounds and The Magus Project
Thanks to: Yeti Out, Kary, Allison, Bryan Gee, the Hong Kong music community
(p) & (c) Silk Roads Sounds 2022