From: Jon Freer (jon-freer_at_excite.com)
Date: 2003-08-19 20:48:03
Jon Freer’s Reviews 19th August 2003.
Thanks to Nik Weston, Joe Stanley at
Sound Influence, Philippe at Swax, Lauren Zoric at Warp Records
and all at B92/Stereo Freeze...
Dois Sampler Pt 2 (Disorient)
Cat No: SUSHI 47. Release Date: 8th September 2003.
As expected Calm comes up with the goods here, but Basement
Jaxx are the surprise package on this 12, as their refit of Monday
Michiru is up there with early gems such as “Samba Magic” and
“City People”. The Jaxx’s ‘Late Nite Dub’ of Monday Michiru’s
“Cruel To Be Kind” sees Monday’s obvious angst ride theatrical,
thrilling sax and a breezing bass groove. Calm contributes “Sketch
On Banana Paper”, where he pens welcoming chords and smile-
inducing mystical synths alongside impressive intricate beats and
lifting dreamy keys.
Various – Porno Chic (Distance)
Cat No: Di2542. Release Date: 15th September 2003.
A suitable soundtrack to any blue flick, “Porno Chic” represents the
best in risqué instrumentation and explicit grooves. At least that’s
what you’d expect from the scantily clad model’s midriff and thighs
on the cover, anyway! This compilation is in fact a showcase for
the labels less exhausting tracks, to leave you with the energy to
partake in other tiring tasks. Charles Webster remixes Sekouba
Bambino’s “Découragé” and in the process invents a relaxed form
of afro-laced grooves, courtesy of unassuming percussion,
glistening keys and a fluid bass. Kardek feat Hanna Haïs’s
“Desire” sees Hanna expose the positives and negatives of a
craving, over alluring keys, a croaking synth and a cold bass.
“Yemoya” by African Blues finds Ron Trent in a relaxed mood, as a
luxurious trumpet serenades pretty keys over shuffling hit
percussion. Unlike most porn, this is more appealing to the ears
than the eyes!
Moodlex – Moodlex Sessions (Wally’s Groove World)
Cat No: WGWCD004. Available Now.
It is plain to see that Frank Bongers aka Moodlex doesn’t want to
be pigeonholed for making one certain type of music. The
“Moodlex Sessions” documents his relationship with Housified
cuts, broken grooves, Jazz textures and much more.
“Deeppanpizza” is a mouth watering hunger-inducing cut, with
caring keys, quick-flash guitar presses, perfect string smiles and
bass murmurs. “Faith” commands the listener to believe, courtesy
of waving guitars, angered brass stabs, fun-loving keys and
fractured vocal communication. “Nihilistic” calms the nerves, with a
chewed up synth, blowing bass, honest keys and unique slovenly
breaks. Worth investigating…
Chris Clark – Empty The Bones Of You (Warp)
Cat No: WAPLP/CD107. Release Date: 8th September 2003.
After the frenzied fever of the material science loving “Ceramics Is
The Bomb” EP, Chris Clark shows the lovely melodious side of his
sound on this LP. Rumoured to be his last musical compositions
before another tirade of ear-screwing violent beat-led compositions,
the beauty of this should be treasured. “Indigo Optimus” floats
sublimely into the consciousness, thanks to cautious yet full-
blooded strings, coaxing keys, dysfunctional yet tidy beats and
dizziness inducing synths. “Early Moss” is as soft as its
namesake yet infinitely more appealing, with its fattened correct
percussion, sparkling keys, bass fizzes and insect buzz mimicking
synths. “Umbilical Hut” conceals itself in a forgotten hideaway,
where keys resonate, wonder string elate, breaks twist into mad
shapes and a bass hums. “Empty The Bones Of You” is like a
battle where oddball electronics encounter child-like pensive
melodies, and the latter is victorious.
Various – Belgrade Coffee Shop 3 (B:92/Stereo Freeze)
Cat No: B92CD 303. Available Now.
The third blend of rich eastern grooves again exhibits what those of
us in the west are missing out on. Showing the diversity of the
city, this compilation gives us a taste of Belgrade’s appreciation of
varied music. Tubaæin’s “New Blues” sees ecstatic shouty vocals
yell over transporting keys, complaining synths and an anger
releasing electric guitar. Lo-Tek Grooves present us with “Plazma”,
a raw and untamed House composition, with quick hit beats,
exposed analogue bass, satisfying chords and a biting synth.
Goldman & DJ Z update I-Cube’s “Disco Cubizm” for Jazz leaning
dancefloors, courtesy of a dripping guitar, purring bass, spinning
keys and a high-spirited wild sax. An excellent celebration of
under-exposed talent.
Jon Freer(jon-freer_at_excite.com)
reviewer and writer for the following
websites and magazines:
littleplanet.net, City Life Magazine, XLR8R Magazine,
Keep On Magazine, pitchadjust.com, beyondjazz.net
Store Records(Sheffield), cratertechnology.com,
vybemuzik.com, Steel Press, deephousenetwork.com,
offitsface.com, Sandman mag, breakevencrew.com,
overloadmedia.co.uk, funk-me.com, Vanguard online,
quadrastate.co.uk, spaced.co.uk, knowtheledge.com,
beats.to, housecollective.org, capitolvibes.com,
www.selekta.com, djriri.com, universalsource.co.uk,
Inner Loop Magazine, housemuziq.com, undergroundhouse.net, worlddj.com,
mosoul.co.uk, discotribe.net, flygarictracks.com,
skansen.no, nwdnb.co.uk
planetsoulnetwork.com
allaboutdj.com
mundovibes.com...
Writer for:
Brique Rouge, Exceptional Records,
Foreplay Recordings,
Robsoul Recordings, Dust Traxx,
Spiritual Life Music and more...
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