We're big fans of Oculist, arguably one of NUKG's most consistent producers. His high level production has consistently turned heads in the Garage House arena over the last few years, with releases on a veritable banquet of established labels - including Sunday Flavas, Bob's Your Uncle Records, Plastik People, Step2, Smashing Trax & 4th Set (among others).
So it's nice to see him stepping outside the GH niche for a moment to showcase what he's capable of in the 2 Step realm, appearing on Phonetix's Riddler with a suitably smooth & soulful jam Mr Jazz Step himself would be proud of. The musicality & resultant feels are exceptional on this, with distant horns laid over the top of silky keys & lashings of heavy sub-bass, dreamy reverb-laiden pianos dropping in-&-out between vintage synth stabs. The subtle string breakdown in the middle is borderline tear-jerking for a moment to boot: it's really a mature & brilliantly arranged piece of music that has to be heard.
Be sure to support 'Ascension' now, if not for the music itself - for the funky artwork!