In Session: Mandar

Not since Apollonia have a trio of DJs excited us as much as Mandar do.

The combination of Lazare Hoche, S.A.M and Malin Genie is one of the most tantalising, technically proficient and damn right bumping formations on the circuit at the moment.

Before you can appreciate and understand the Mandar sound, you must first dissect the components that make it what it is. All three of the artists involved bear a unique yet familiar sound and each of these strains combine to make something special.

Lazare Hoche is the Parisian who's known for being one of the best at crafting delicate beats and sumptuous grooves, as showcased via his imprint Lazare Hoche Records. The label's output matches his stylistic sensibilities with artists like S3A, Larry De Kat and Point G (under his Headcore alias) having all released.

Dutchman Malin Genie has produced a few collaborative EPs via Lazare's label as well and if the Frenchman sculpts tech that glides and soothes then Genie's bears a slighty more rugged sound. Having dropped EPs on Slapfunk and Will & Ink, his productions are a prominent part of Mandar's aesthetic, which leaves one more member to add to the fold: S.A.M.

The Danish producer and owner of Delaphine has been involved with a wealth of imprints such as Concrete, Nord Records and Constant Sound, although we first found his music via Julian Perez's Fathers & Sons label and were blown away. Again, he's another producer that creates tech house that oozes class and emotion but it's a style that works even better when merged as collective.

As Mandar, the three minds, the three sounds and the three styles blend into one flowing end product that's the perfect amalgamation of all three producers. They're best friends and it shows; their chemistry can't be manufactured, it's just there. During their debut Lab LDN performance, the three joked around, laughed behind the decks and took turns mixing their flavour of tech on vinyl using a Rotary mixer.

Anyone who listens to their music knows it has the golden traits of tech house: the pace, bass and groove. This groove is what all three are known for, an almost silky feel to every track that makes it impossible for the listener not to dance and for the trio's debut, self-titled album, they've explored these traits in great detail.

The album, which comes released as a five-vinyl box set, was recorded in Paris, Copenhagen and Amsterdam and arrives via their label Oscillat Music. We had the pleasure of premiering our favourite cut from the LP and 'FFF3' will give you a good indication of what they're all about.

For their In Session they've defied expectation and delivered something completely different to their usual DJ sets. For those who want an hour of slamming grooves, it would be best to refer to their Lab set, as this is a mix of hip hop, ambient, electronica, funk and soul that is obviously a reflection of the influences that went into making 'Mandar'. It's beautiful on the ears and perfect to the start or end of any day.

Mandar's self-titled debut album is out now

Funster is Mixmag's Deputy Digital Editor, follow him on Twitter here