Soulphiction – What What EP
One of my favourite producers over the last 15 years or so has been Michel Baumann, aka Soulphiction and Jackmate. The co-founder of the excellent Philpot label sadly passed away recently at just 49 years of age. This is his second release on label “18437”, and it’s believed to be his final release of new material.
Let’s start with the artwork on the sleeve. I do like it when a label pushes the creativity with a complete package and as you can see from the picture the artwork on the label is rather splendid. The EP itself boasts three original productions with the funk laden “Ballin” up first. This is proper heads down groovy material with lush pads and funky Rhodes very much in the classic Soulphiction mould. The second cut and EP title track “What what??!” has a shuffling piano with a serious groove, while the final track “Midi Funk” is a little more dubby focusing on heavy basslines and uplifting percussion. It’s quite fitting that this EP purveys Michel’s unique raw Deep House style. It’s definitely a perfect tribute to an amazing career cut short. RIP!