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Shapshifters: Changing the Shape of House

Author: Seven
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Shapeshifters are chart-topping West London house-duo Simon Marlin and Max Reich, who this year produced 'Lola's Theme', the aural holy grail, a cool tune that does the business in the clubs and has proved irresistible to the mainstream. They are about quality music and bouncing parties, and are leading the current charge of house music's renaissance that has seen an exciting upsurge in the scene this year.

2004 saw the launch of Nocturnal Groove, a new label from Simon and his now immortalised wife Lola (ex Peppermint Jam and Sarm Studios respectively), in which Max is also a partner. Its aim was simple; to provide proper, quality house music and release the same tracks they were playing out at the label's monthly club night. Simon who already ran the highly successful Peppermint Jam nights at the AKA bar in London, re-launched the monthly bash as Nocturnal at the end of December 2003 to an insane response, something that has continued to be surpassed today.

Simon and Max were introduced in a record shop in Gothenburg in 1996 and Simon signed Max immediately on the strength of a cassette he'd heard. He then licensed Max's short-lived band Fused to Sony and Max moved to London, cementing the pair's relationship as manager and partner in crime.
In 2003, they sat down with no commercial pressure or expectations to make a tune together. However when they put out a few promo copies of their debut single at the end of 2003, an instrumental track entitled 'Lola's Theme', little did they realise exactly how well it would be received. It's funky groove, lush strings, and uplifting vibe proved irresistible. The underground buzz over a handful of copies soon became a tidal wave of fevered discussion and anticipation. DJ's, music fans, and clubbers across the world clamoured for a copy or at least a listen of the track from dance music's hottest new band.

As the initial hype for the single snowballed, Simon and Max had yet to decide on a vocalist, having only put out the instrumental to test the water. Realising events had moved quickly, the pair began auditioning various singers. When a mutual friend introduced them to a renowned young Gospel singer, Cookie, they realised they'd found the perfect voice for 'Lola's Theme'. Cookie, a member of the highly respected London Community Gospel choir, has sung and recorded live with Kylie, Ms Dynamite, and Depeche Mode, and her vocal style fitted the track perfectly.

'Lola's Theme' has since received heavy plays on Radio 1 courtesy of Pete Tong, Seb Fontaine, and Judge Jules; and picked up plays across the country by every discerning radio jock including GLR's Norman Jay, Capital's Ali B, Kiss, Galaxy, and MOS. Such is the track's power that it's caught the ears of a wide range of DJs, from Felix Tha Housecat and Danny Rampling to Nic Fancuilli and ATFC.

'Lola's Theme' epitomises the ethos of Shapeshifters and Nocturnal Groove, uniting the dance floor with its stand out irresistible groove, addictive hook and epic sound, but only tells some of the story. Imagine rocking Seven with all the right tunes, all your best mates and an intimate, happy crowd and you'll start to see what Family and Nocturnal parties are all about.

Proudly brought to Australia by Future Entertainment.

FAMILY PRESENTS: SHAPESHIFTERS
'Changing the Shape of House'

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 27 AT SEVEN, 52 ALBERT ROAD, SOUTH MELBOURNE, 3205

DOORS OPEN 10PM
$20/$15
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