The UK-based collective Situation returns with Audio Proxemics, a rich, groove-laden journey through deep house, nu-disco, jazz, and funk, marking their most accomplished work to date.
Led by Mr. Mulatto and Frank Situation, the album has been two years in the making, with contributions from an array of talented musicians and vocalists, including Javonntte, Robin Lee (Faze Action), and Venessa Jackson.
With their roots firmly planted in the underground, Situation has long been a trusted name in the world of soulful electronic music, curating their own events and shaping the sound of their Situationism Records label with releases from Ashley Beedle, Greg Wilson, and Dr. Packer. On Audio Proxemics, they refine their signature blend of organic musicianship and deep club grooves, delivering a timeless and soul-drenched album built for both the dancefloor and home listening.
Track-by-Track Review
‘Hooked On Desire’ is a raucous, latin-flavoured funk/house number that carries wonderful female soulful vocals coupled with a great live instrument ensemble powered by mind-bending bass leads.
‘You Gotta Move’ instantly reminded us of a Prince type groove. That 80’s power guitar riff, airy electrified synths, and of course the nostalgic, beautiful vocal. Tune of the album for us.
‘Bullit’ (feat. Javonntte) is a hectic, high octane House groove with wired synth melodies, cool laid back flute melodies and Javonntte’s cool spoken word. Bass line is again a real head turner on this one.
‘Never Taken A Weekend Off’ shifts gears into broken beat and Brit-funk fusion, blending radiant synth leads with punchy, off-kilter rhythms. It’s a luscious, groove-heavy workout that wouldn’t sound out of place in a set by 4hero or Kaidi Tatham.
‘Pusherman’ is a garage inspired sound with oodles of British sass and funk. Trios of female vocals and harmonies takes things in a soulful gospel direction.
‘Mrs Donovan’ moves back towards the club, with dazzling keys dancing over dusty house drums, making it one of the more DJ-friendly moments on the record. The acid jazz influence is strong here, as it is throughout the album.
‘Fairy Godmother’ is one of the standout moments—a gorgeous disco-house cut featuring vibrant string arrangements from Robin Lee (Faze Action) and an acid jazz-tinged vocal that oozes effortless cool. Think early Jamiroquai meets classic Salsoul.
‘Over & Over’ is a chugging 4/4 groove with plenty of energetic instrumentation. A combo of rhythmic drums, underpinned synth strings, and cool trumpet lines and jazz-infused piano keys make this a really nice summer day workout for those with plenty of purpose.
‘Rodborough Groove’ rounds off the EP with an all out attack on the Acid Jazz/funk front. A danceable number that oozes with what sounds like vocoder-led organ groove, cool piano melodies juxtaposed by the low-slung sax riffs, this is a number!
With ‘Audio Proxemics’, Situation delivers an album that is both deeply musical and effortlessly danceable. The balance between live instrumentation and club-ready production is seamless, giving each track a sense of warmth and authenticity.
By enlisting a roster of talented vocalists and musicians, Situation has crafted a record that feels alive, rich in both nuances and emotion. Whether you’re looking for deep house sophistication, jazz-infused funk, or straight-up disco bliss, this album hits all the right notes.
Audio Proxemics’ comes first on vinyl, then digitally, and will be followed by a remix album featuring Sean McCabe, Risk Assessment, LTJ Experience and BitterSuite. Pre order here.
