From: Jon Freer (jon-freer_at_excite.com)
Date: 2004-02-03 17:47:45
Jon Freer’s Reviews. 2nd February 2004.
Thanks to Carly at Headinghome, Luke at Nordic Trax, Dana & Glyne at Rude Awakening, Prymer at Tokyo Dawn, Tammy at Magnum PR & Caroline at Soma for these...
Singles selection.
Ryan Craig – Believe (Headinghome Recordings)
Cat No: HHR003. Release Date: 6th February 2004.
For those unfamiliar with this imprint, Headinghome offers ear-catching homely sounds that are distinctive yet familiar enough to appeal to a variety of musical minds. ‘The Premature Wig Sideways Shuffle Mix’ of Ryan Craig’s “Believe” is firm keyed outing, with slippery synths, a groovy bounced analogue bass and appealing vocals from a temptress. The Hotlips & Hawkeye ‘Futurehouse Edit’ is a gleaming afro touched gem, where heavy chord washes meet shiny keys and a softened bass.
Gavin Froome – Sunsets / Jetseb & Aos One – Blue Morning EP (Both Nordic Trax). Cat No’s: NT 034/035. Both are available now as separate releases.
Vancouver’s famed Nordic Trax imprint returns with one offering from trusted soldier of the deep, Gavin Froome, and a debut from the Parisian based pairing of Jetseb & Aos One. Gavin’s “Sunsets” in original form sets mind expanding synths alongside crunchy beats and odd keys, whilst Jay Tripwire’s re-rub is an excellent mutating bass twister. Jetseb & Aos One opt for dark brooding techness on the wide-eyed synth led “Blue Morning”, as “So Many Ways”, a shadowy broken number that sounds like Brett Johnson helped with the rolling mellow keys. The pairs final outing, “Popcorn” is a superb slice of filtered funk, with a hyperactive rhythm and bass combo, a crazed sax and jabbering keys.
Compilations.
Various – Abstract Afro Journey (Nite Grooves)
Cat No: KCD-238. Available Now.
Afro-house don Ron Trent mainly revisits Nite Grooves & King Steet’s percussive and deep gems, on this 19 track mix. Obviously the selection is a little restricted, as the cuts have mostly been plucked from a couple of imprints, but with such impressive rosters, Ron was bound to be able to come up with a commendable array of tracks. Joe Claussell’s mind-blowing ‘Real Live Version’ of T.P.O.’s “Hiroshi’s Dub” is easily the highlight of the CD, with its throbbing bass, stargazing synths and majestic flute. The ‘Detroit Dub’ of Alton Miller’s “Love Inside” is another delightfully musically adept and super deep offering, where wonder keys and a heavenly flute dwell. From Ron’s own contributions, his ‘Rockers Extended’ version of “Welcome Sire” is the pick, courtesy of its sunshine-kissed synths, locked in the groove keys and bass hushing. An excellent rhythmic selection.
Various – Practise Avoiding Mistakes (Tokyo Dawn Records)
Cat No: tdrlp 01. Available Now.
Surprisingly a label of Germanic, not oriental origin, Tokyo Dawn draws on artists from around the world, to help achieve their musical aims. They are primarily known for their web-based venture, which offers free music from a variety of well-known and unknown faces. This compilation focuses on their artists who need their profile raising and there are some top quality tracks, amongst the 20 musical ventures on this CD. Comfort Fit’s “Kurz Vor Danach Ganz” sees a relationship break-up played out over stumbling percussion, worried bass and jingling keys. Opossum feat Missamadina’s “Too Late” charts the fallout of a break-up, courtesy of funny little keys, bass movement and fiddly scratches. Saine’s “Equanimity” conjures up memories of mid 90’s material by Shazz, due to the unspoilt piano, string-led questioning and lovely brass. Better to learn from those mistakes, instead of falling into the same trap once again.
Various – Laidback (Europa)
Cat No: EUROPCD003. Available Now.
Still not a fan of the label’s title that sounds like an 80’s pop group or a eurovision entry, but this release is an improvement on the last. Slow groovers and serene housers partner lazy cuts for those quieter after-session moments. The Soulsaver’s “Rumblefish” is a relaxed number, with stunning carefree keys, business meaning bass and kind brass crescendo’s. Ewan Pearson’s “15 Months” under his World Of Apples guise is the soundtrack to robots chilling, courtesy of keyed twinkles, a formal synth groove and bizarre vox. ‘Brad Peeps Remix For Friends ‘ of Iz & Diz’s “Mouth” is Pepe Bradock’s outstanding mouth music revision, with a vocalised rhythm section, clapped beats and synthed ums. Worth it for “Mouth” alone!
Various – Soma Compilation 2003 (Soma Records)
Cat No’s: SOMA CD/LP34. Available Now.
Scotland’s House and Techno institution handily put together their best moments of 2003 onto one album. Always a consistent compilation series, the latest one doesn’t disappoint. King Britt’s ‘Sexy Mix’ of H-Foundation’s “Tonight” gets its charm and good looks from driving keys, tender synths and bewitched vocals. Silicone Soul provide us with their ‘Dark Room Dub’ of Schatrax’s “Mispent Years”, which is set to be played in dark rooms (i.e. clubs) for a long time to come, courtesy of its ferocious bass and corrupted angelic keys. The ‘Dub’ of Envoy’s “Night Moves” is classily updated Acid House tackle, with possessed keys, epic strings and a thunderous acidic bassline. No complaints here!
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...
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