Berliners Max Graef and Glenn Astro make their debut on Ninja Tune with a pair of infectiously danceable jams – the bustling mutant jazz workout “Magic Johnson” and a moodier, sleeker dub on the flip (“Tape Johnson”).

The talented duo has built a sterling reputation for crafting scruffy disco-tinged house bangers and dusty downtempo excursions, releasing independently for the excellent Danish label Tartelet; the OYE Records-affiliated Box Aus Holz imprint; Brandt Brauer Frick’s “The Gym”; Space Hardware and WotNot Music. Earlier this year Max and Glenn joined forces to form Money $ex Records – an outlet for outings from their extended family.

The swing is reminiscent of Moodymann and Pépé Bradock on the one hand, but their approach to production is firmly rooted in hip-hop’s cut-and-paste aesthetic and healthy desire to emulate Madlib and J Dilla’s grit and rough ‘n’ ready character. It’s worth noting, however, that the duo sample sparingly, instead putting the focus on their musicianship to create the instantaneous melodies that lie at the heart of their shabby, lovely wonky and instantly likeable dancefloor jams.

Take a listen to “Magic Johnson” below and pre-order from the Ninja Tune store.

∗ These are not our words, text taken from press releases.