Brrwd is the label started by Ta-ku and Repeat Pattern a couple of years ago now to showcase lesser known producers that they liked. Most recently, they have featured artists like Charlie Abbot and Aktr. Now they turn their focus to a pair of Japanese producers, Fitz Ambro$e and Submerse, who team up to make an EP called Villa Rosa.

The name of the EP might seem a little unusual for two artists working Japan, until you learn that this was the name of an apartment complex built in Shibuya, Japan in the sixties, following Tokyo hosting the Summer Olympics in 1964. This complex is roughly the halfway point between the two artists’ homes, and so this oddity became the name of their collaboration. As for how this collaboration sounds, these two producers turned their focus to the Quiet Storm sounds of the early ‘80s, and then reinterpret them through a downtempo lens. It’s not anything that hasn’t been done before, but when it’s done well, you tend to not care all that much, and dammit, it’s done really well here. These beats are smooth as hell, with deep warm grooves that are strictly for the grown and sexy. It’s technically a short EP, but these grooves are so deep and sophisticated, you’ll get lost in the moment and not realize that it hasn’t even been two minutes yet. My personal favorite on the EP is the closing track, “Piccolina,” which features additional keyboards from Devin Morrison, and really takes its time to explore some really warm bass lines, well placed vocal samples, and great melodies on the keys.

Proceed with caution when listening to Villa Rosa. The name might come from some historical awkwardness, but the beats laid down Fitz Ambro$e and Submerse are smooth and confident. You might need a moment to cool off after this one.