From: Jon Freer (jon-freer_at_excite.com)
Date: 2003-12-27 00:44:25
Jon Freer’s Reviews. 27th December 2003.
Thanks to Nik Weston, all at Especial, Peter at Kick Drum Media, Martin at
Deeplay and Alison Crockett…
12” action…
Da Lata – Change (Quality Records)
Cat No: ESPD-003. Release Date: 26th January 2003.
Japanese imprint Quality sneakily let out a couple of Da Lata gems, originally
licensed for the far eastern release of their “Serious” LP. Better than many
tracks on the western album, “Petropolis” sees Nina Miranda’s gorgeous carefree
vocals partner Chris Franck’s exposed guitar tinkerings. “Change” is an on
edge percussive stormer, with nervous keys, sweet guitar and exciting bass.
The Japanese get all the special treats, don’t they!
Jazztronik – Dance with Me (Especial Distribution)
Cat No: ESPD-002. Release Date: 26th January 2003.
Jazztronik play the co-op crew, German horticulturalists and Scandinavian stars
at their own game, with their epic take on the whole fractured beat
sound. “Dance with Me” will probably entice most onto the tiles, due to its
energising percussion, supple bass groove, excitable vocals and beaming
brass. “Samurai”, a violent ode to the most skilled of fighters, will have the
rest up and shaking their stuff, thanks to aggressive percussion, classy keys
and sassy melodic vocals.
Zvukbroda (Sound of the Ship) – tTRI Sampler (Listen To Reason)
Cat No: LTR-004. Available Now.
Croatia is perhaps not a place recognized for innovative House releases, but
this should change if Zvukbroda keep on releasing records like this. “Ako”
pits stabbed dysfunctional keys, a fat adjustable bass and cut percussion
against a crazy photocopying machine! “Kze Zo” sees hiccupping voices and
confused conversational snatches rides warm-hearted synths, as “Ta Sta” takes
things deeper and harder, courtesy of a committed bass and watery
synths. “Pled” lets the EP down, as it unfortunately sounds too much like a
lacklustre Metro Area spoof, with its groovacious synths and dreamy keys.
Long Players…
Dalminjo – Fjord Fusioneer (Deeplay Music)
Cat No: DPLAYCD 3. Available Now.
This debut from Dalminjo shows maturity, historical understanding and an
attention to detail that surpasses his 21 years. It is a perfect voyage
encompassing the jazzy side of Housed grooves and stirring not sleep inducing
downtempo cuts. “Bossa Note” sees Julius Mongolia join Dalminjo for some
charming guitars, cool percussiveness and forward moving key-led action. “Moon
& Sun” beautifully portrays two natural wonders of the world, courtesy of
beguiling keys, a brokenish beat and affirmative vocal touches. “Love Affair”
is a desperate vocal ode, with cold piano keys, strutting breaks and synth
purrs. Hopefully there will be more in the future from Dalminjo!
Alison Crockett – On Becoming A Woman (Sol Image)
Cat No: SI 001. Available Now.
One of the most talented vocalists to emerge from New York in recent times,
Alison has been blessed with a homely and wonderfully engaging voice. Working
with US3 may have been an enlightening learning curve for her, but as a group
member, she did not receive the limelight she deserves. “On Becoming A Woman”
is a collection of mainly love inspired compositions, which really speak from
the heart and reach out to the listener. “Crossroads” sees Alison wonder if
two different people can ever be truly together, over smiling keys, relaxed
popping percussion and a wind rippling bass. “Like Rain” is a reflective
melancholic cut, with tender water droplet keys, a slithering guitar and waving
sax. “Alive” hopes for a more meaningful future, as she assesses her Brooklyn
surroundings alongside calm keys and a depressed bass. Mouthwatering soulfood
for one and all!
Jon Freer(jon.freer_at_wrongsteps.com)
reviewer and writer for the following
websites and magazines: Blues & Soul Magazine,
FACT Magazine,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,
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...
_______________________________________________
Join Excite! - http://www.excite.com
The most personalized portal on the Web!