We all have a label or few that we consider ‘up there’ in terms of aesthetic and output. In our minds they’ve never released a dud, have original and distinctive artwork, and are just generally awesome.
For MTHRFNKR, Squelch & Clap is one of those labels. We don’t know that much about them besides the fact that they’re based in Sheffield (North England for all you international readers) and are only one year old, if that. Nonetheless, in such a short time they seem to already have found their feet with a slightly risqué and cartoonish approach to artwork and a decisive mind-set when it comes to what music they want to release. While the six artists present are from all over the globe, they all swim in the musical waters that is electronic music. Below is a brief lowdown on every single one of them. Along with checking out the artists mentioned below, make sure to check out S&C’s website and SoundCloud. There are some free EPs and mixes that are worth downloading.
We treat you guys too well.

123MRK
Undoubtedly a highlight of the label’s small but brilliant catalogue, 123MRK is a French producer who was recently described by a blog as ‘the son of Jamie XX and James Blake’. We’ll agree with that description. Like his ‘fathers’, the sounds he creates are a mixture of 2-step garage and post dubstep with a undeniable pinch of inspiration coming from the soundtracks of old Sega games. His Refined Madness EP is a brilliant display of what he is and foreshadows he may be capable of in the near future. Be sure to check it out and keep an eye for this guy in the near future. We predict big things.

Tete De Tigre
Producer Tete De Tigre was responsible for the label’s first release (Pelican Bay EP) and is also another Frenchie. However, unlike 123MRK, TDT gives his music a warm tropical hue by combining funky and house to create music that’s more summertime in Ibiza than Boiler Room in wintertime London, if you get my drift. See his Summer Mix 2011, Schiefield EP, and Pelican Bay EP if you need further convincing.

Kidnap Kid
Another gem out of the label’s small bunch is Leeds based Matthew Relton. After being in bands for 10 years and DJ’ing since he was 15, Relton switched his focus to electronic music with his first flirtation with the genre being in the form of Kidnap Kid. Sonically, his tracks dodge the coffee table and land on the dancefloor even if they are more content with being twitchy, slick numbers rather than bangers featuring big basslines. Here at MTHRFNKR we’re pro-choice, so give both his Great Confusion EP and Apocalypse of John EP a listen and decide for yourselves.

Arcade
Federico Ferrer goes by the name of Arcade. Coming from capital city Buenos Aries, Argentina his music has already gained support from acts like Crookers and MSTRKRFT. Since moving to Europe, he’s called Squelch & Clap his home. Arcade’s major source of inspiration is house music, however the odd dash of garage appears from time to time. Listen to his Contrincante EP now on Soundcloud.

CDBL
You don’t really get playlisted on Rinse FM by Seb Chew for nothing really, do you? And after listening to CDBL it’s clear why the YOYO co-founder, Rinse FM DJ, and ex director of A&R for Polydor decided to give this France based duo exposure. On tracks like I Need You their hybrid of bass and house music is so infectious it could lift anyone out of the dampest spirits (maybe even a comedown). Music that could potential cure a comedown? We’re in. Are you? Catch out their Vices EP on Soundcloud.

B-Ju
Producer B-Ju from Germany is yet to release any work since signing with Squelch & Clap, but after tracking down his 2010 Dog Day EP and new songs like Vector Love, an EP will be something worth waiting for. B-Ju’s music is all about playing with builds, drops, and the stretching plateuas between them. His transitions between these work seamlessly, creating tracks that often feel like journeys rather than just potential soundtracks for future journeys.

By Antonio Rowe