MALIK HENDRICKS — Ten Toes Down EP

Malik Hendricks – Ten Toes Down EP arrives on Vibes & Pepper (VP015), a 12-inch vinyl that threads deep house, broken beat, and soulful rhythms into a concise five-track statement. The record balances club-ready propulsion with more introspective textures, positioning it as a noteworthy addition to the label’s current output. Within the Vibes & Pepper catalogue, Ten Toes Down follows DJ Compufunk’s The Remixes (VP014) and Deep Space Protocol (VPLP2), both released earlier in 2026, and sits after Your Ex’s Lost Shadows EP (VP013). The label’s recent history also includes Takuya Mastumoto’s Vertical Stories LP 2x12” (VPLP1, 2025) and Hanna’s Game, set & match EP (VP011, 2025), establishing a context of diverse electronic explorations that this EP continues. Side A opens with “Hyper Thesis”, a direct dancefloor piece built on a deep rolling groove that commands movement and sustains hypnotic momentum. The title track, “Ten Toes Down”, shifts to a more organic palette, foregrounding tribal percussion and ancestral rhythms that reference the foundational pulse of house music while retaining a contemporary edge. Flipping to side B, “Steel Man” adopts a loose broken-beat funk feel, offering a groove that loosens the tempo and invites a playful, syncopated approach. “Mint Suede Monks” then eases the mood, delivering a mellow, atmospheric ambience that feels suited to late-night sets, its subtle soulfulness providing a warm backdrop for deeper listening. The EP closes with Kai Alcé’s remix of “Mint Suede Monks”, where soulful piano chords and a timeless house groove combine to evoke a classic emotional resonance reminiscent of early house pioneers, yet firmly anchored in present-day production. For Malik Hendricks, Ten Toes Down follows the earlier Stretching EP (FLAT WHITE RECORDS, FW015, 2026) and demonstrates a continued interest in merging rhythmic depth with melodic nuance. Kai Alcé’s contribution reflects a prior release, UNDERGROUND & BLACK (NDATL Muzik, NDATLXU&B, 2023), reinforcing the collaborative thread between the two artists. In contemporary underground circles, the EP’s blend of deep house propulsion, broken-beat flexibility, and soulful atmospherics offers a versatile tool for DJs seeking both kinetic energy and reflective moments. Its sequencing supports a fluid set progression—from the immediate drive of “Hyper Thesis” through the percussive richness of the title track, into the funk-inflected “Steel Man”, and finally into the moody depths of “Mint Suede Monks” and its remix, which can serve as a closing or transitional piece in a late-night set. Collectors will appreciate the 12-inch format that preserves the analog warmth essential to the record’s rhythmic textures. The pressing aligns with Vibes & Pepper’s reputation for quality releases that emphasize both sound fidelity and thoughtful curation. Malik Hendricks – Ten Toes Down EP, Vibes & Pepper, catalogue VP015, 12-inch vinyl, five tracks, released 20 November 2026. Tracklist: A1. Malik Hendricks – Hyper Thesis A2. Malik Hendricks – Ten Toes Down B1. Malik Hendricks – Steel Man B2. Malik Hendricks – Mint Suede Monks B3. Malik Hendricks – Mint Suede Monks (Kai Alcé Remix)