From: Jon Freer (jon-freer_at_excite.com)
Date: 2005-01-02 23:30:22
Jon Freer’s Reviews 2nd January 2005.
Album & comps:
V/A – Heartbeat Vol 1 - Compiled & Mixed by David Harness (Loveslap!)
V/A – We Can Work It Out: Essential Covers & Cookies of The Beatles (Harmless)
David Alvarado – Transfiguration (NRK)
V/A – Future Past Tense: Remixes by Q-Burns Abstract Message
(Eighth Dimension)
Bluprint – Sleeping Giant (Exceptional)
Mojo Project – Taste The Mojo (Lovemonk)
Thanks to Nicky & Jo at Phuturetrax, Nick at NRK, Q-Burns, Tash at Exceptional and Steve at Timewarp for these…
V/A – Heartbeat Vol 1 - Compiled & Mixed by David Harness (Loveslap!)
Cat No: LOVESLAP 05CD. Release Date: March 2005.
David Harness has a knack of putting together top quality house compilations. “Heartbeat” is another well put together offering, containing some of the best recently released and forthcoming deeply-inclined house outings. Mr. V’s “Deep (House Music)” is a devastating floor bumper, with detached synths, forcefully pressed chords and a bass that doesn’t run out of steam. The ‘UK Remix’ of Fertile Ground’s shining “Live In The Light” sees a blurry bass, sprightly keys and enlightening brass join hands under Navasha’s faithful vocals. Frankie Feliciano’s ‘Ricanstruction’ of Beady Belle’s “Hindsight” makes us realise how much easier life would be if you could anticipate the outcome of your actions, as sweet synths and a comforting bass hook up alongside vocals that reminisce over what might have been. This is another peach of a comp from the ever-consistent Loveslap imprint.
V/A – We Can Work It Out: Essential Covers & Cookies of The Beatles (Harmless). Cat No: HURT CD/LP 060. Release Date: 7th March 2005.
After a couple of comps celebrating the mark left by souldaddies Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, Spinna and Adrian Gibson have joined forces again, this time to select tracks inspired by that famous Liverpudlian group. Mostly on the souly and jazzed up tip, many of the versions are pretty impressive. Al Green lays on the charm on his version of “I Wanna Hold Your Hand”, where the Reverend’s persuasive vocals sit atop an all-conquering bass, teased rhythm section and harmonious brass. Earth, Wind and Fire paint “Got To Get You Into My Life” a completely different colour, courtesy of some earthy guitars, slick bass action and brass with boundless energy. “Live & Let Die” gets a heavier lilt from Byron Lee, as reverential keys, cheerful brass and a smart vocal set up link up well on his reggae-angled version. This outing on Harmless shows that the songs of Lennon & McCartney could be transferred across musical styles with ease.
David Alvarado – Transfiguration (NRK)
Cat No: NRKCD015. Release Date: 31st January 2005.
Alvarado is one of those US producers who has made some pretty astonishing material, but has never become a big name. “Transfiguration” is a collection of completely tripped out tech-leaning minimal house, no more, no less. “Aire” is a dubby bassed chugger, with pointed keys, rotating beats and unable to cope vocals. “The Day” takes its strength from mind-bending synths that control the imagination. “Luna Version 2” is more cohesive than the first, courtesy of it pumped drum beats, falling keys and glowing synths. This release has some wonderful moments, but it isn’t constantly mind-blowing like some of David’s previous material that saw the light of day on labels like Josh Wink’s Ovum and his own Bomb imprint.
V/A – Future Past Tense: Remixes by Q-Burns Abstract Message
(Eighth Dimension). Cat No: 8THCD006.
A while ago Q put out an album of remixes where others hand manipulated his efforts and here he turns the tables. Revisions from Mr. Burns’ seem to be either cheeky house escapades or lounging downbeat reinterpretations, and these appear in near enough equal quantities here. Beef Wellington’s “Dedication” gets the stuttered vocal treatment, with rough beats, a well meaning bass and fairy-like keys providing the backing. Q-Burns and Grumptonix’s unreleased mix of Rabbit In The Moon’s “Floori.d.a.” is a lovely little minimal outing, where metallic tinged beats, strained mesmeric synths and a subversive bass meet. “On The Beach (6.00 P.M.)” by Rivera Rotation becomes a wonderful skippy house cut, courtesy of keys falling neatly into place, smiley strings and vocals that inhabit another world from the rest of us. With this album Q shows that he’s up there with the premier beat manipulators.
Bluprint – Sleeping Giant (Exceptional)
Cat No: exlpcd0501. Release Date: 21st February 2005.
Bluprint’s second LP is another foray into the world of slumber-house and slouching downbeat. Live instruments play a pretty important role here and the slower tracks are much better than the faceless house-toned tracks. “Ruby” sees head in the clouds guitars pitted against bright keys and a really chilled bass. “Sunspots” will warm the soul, thanks to its blissful synthetics, ecstatic keys and pillow soft bass. “Dirty Dan” is a likeable groover, where bewitched strings, sugared brass and impossible to dislike keys move as one. Charming but in need of a little more colour.
Mojo Project – Taste The Mojo (Lovemonk)
Cat No: LMK 04. Release Date: 24th January 2005.
“Taste The Mojo” doesn’t particularly stand out as a longplayer set to stand the test of time. There are a few inspired cuts here (hence the review), yet the majority leave you feeling that’s you’ve heard what they’re doing countless times before. “My Rules” is the story of a broken heart, backed by a scowling bass, amiable guitar and keys that are in pieces. “Nana For Child” reassures, but its billowing flute and delving bass again don’t offer anything new. “Nothing Better” is another tale for the emotionally wounded to empathise with, courtesy of some pure of heart keys, sticky percussion and holding strings. There’s nothing daring or even vaguely risqué here, and that originality and edginess is the ingredient missing from the Mojo’s stew.
Jon Freer(jon.freer_at_wrongsteps.com)
*Website: www.mosoul.co.uk.
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