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Repress

Be With Records present the hugely anticipated first ever vinyl release of r'n'b star Cassie's seductive debut. A late-night classic of chilly electro-soul, the self-titled album has influenced many in the dance music fraternity since its original CD-only appearance back in 2006. Particularly revered by Jamie xx, Four Tet, Hot Chip and Tri Angle Records, the r'n'b cognoscenti went into overdrive when rumours of this release first leaked.

Perhaps most famously, it features the slick summer smash "Me&U" which reached No.6 in the UK charts and topped the US equivalent. Yet the remaining 10 tracks serve to create a "minimalist r'n'b" masterpiece; the intricate and space-filled arrangements are laced with sinister synth bleeps that wouldn't have been out of place on an early 90s Warp record. The dark, hypnotic high ends coupled with Cassie's ice-queen delivery made this stand out from the tired crowd of mainstream r'n'b at the time. It still sounds wholly and eerily unique.

Like all Be With releases, this record is officially licensed and has been cut by Frank Arkwright at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. Pressed on audiophile 180gram vinyl - befitting the heaviness of the music contained within - it also features the original artwork set elegantly within its 12"x12" borders.

Alek Stark is responsible for some of the finest boutique vinyl releases available. His 808 boxes, DMX drum machine replica and plexi-glass sleeves for Fundamental Records are legendary in the electro fraternity.

Stark's attention to detail in everything he does is particularly apparent in his music - his tracks are all first class analogue electro. He pulls no punches on this E.P. with heavy 808 percussion alongside a myriad of modular noise and synth workouts.

Cold, robotic and reminiscent of early Psyche / BFC with deep chorused pads creating an off-world dystopian theme that runs throughout this release.