From: Jon Freer (jon-freer_at_excite.com)
Date: 2005-01-19 23:01:02
Jon Freer’s Reviews 19th January 2005.
Single action:
José González – Crosses EP (Peacefrog/Agenda)
Solar Apple Quarkette – Do You Love Me Too (Remixed) (Further Out)
Richard E – Sometimes I / Hear Her Call (Further Out)
DWH – Beauty EP (Counterpoint)
Pepita Project – Friends (Pep Sounds)
Nina Jayne feat Roy Ayers – Circles (Richard Earnshaw Remixes) (SonyBMG)
Thanks to Lily at Peacefrog, Richard at Further Out, Jake at Counterpoint, Johnny at Deep House Mafia and Mel at Four Four for these…
José González – Crosses EP (Peacefrog/Agenda)
Cat No: PFG065. Release Date: March 2005.
José González shows the emotion capturing power of a single acoustic guitar and the human voice on this bewitching four tracker. “Crosses” places reassuring vocals over enchanting guitars. “Hints” sees meticulous chords and wriggling melodious guitar overtones back pleading vocals. The track with the longest name, “Dead Weight On Velveteen”, perplexes in a similar manner to its title, courtesy of alone plucked strands, momentum building strums and confused vocals. “Storm” completes the package, with an obedient rhythm section, occasional bass jibes and hanging in there vocals.
Solar Apple Quarkette – Do You Love Me Too (Remixed) (Further Out)
Cat No: SAQ 5. Available Now.
The appetising apples get the nu-jazzy soul re-rub from a pair of eager production outfits. Break Reform supply the standout version, where mournful strings, dejected hop percussion link up alongside Nanar’s spellbinding harmonising. Unforscene’s relaxed mix sees percussion trudge along beside confused synthetics and lonely keys. The original is also included, with its keys that are desperate for an answer, brass that seems to inhabit another world and unkempt percussion. There’s a trio of versions on the flip, but none do the track justice.
Richard E – Sometimes I / Hear Her Call (Further Out)
Cat No: FUR007. Available Now.
Label boss Richard E finally touches down with solo material, and the wait was worth it. “Sometimes I” is a highbrow jazz dancer, with uptempo piano action, oddly strung strings and blinding keys. “Hear Her Call” places vocals from an expressive nu-soul star over solemn beats, untameable keys and manipulated synths.
DWH – Beauty EP (Counterpoint)
Cat No: CRS025. Release Date: 21st February 2005.
Sheffield based DWH return with another gorgeous EP of satisfying jazzed-out nu-soul. “Beauty” in original form pays homage to the unpredictability of life, backed by bold keys and texturous brass. The Eddy & Yanna mix is frankly a little too cluttered, as a classically trained string section battles running keys and slo-mo beats for supremacy. “Darkside” as retouched by Blackbeard becomes a misleadingly gorgeous appeal for caution, where clapped out percussion and smoky flutes meet under advice giving vocals. “Latter Rains” carefully drips smooth vocals, beaming brass and graceful pianos into the listener’s consciousness.
Pepita Project – Friends (Pep Sounds)
Available Now.
Austria’s Deep House Mafia crew have called on the mighty Jori Hulkkonen to revisit one of Pepita’s minimally minded house outings. Hulkkonen’s ‘House Of Aura Mix’ of “Pepita’s Theme” will move many due to its choking piano keys, which sit atop frayed synths and a steady bass. “Friends” is a reliable little groover, with a familiar key runaround, just about moving beats and good-natured synth action. “Playtime” is a bedazzled synth-driven track, where unsure keys and smashed up percussion hang back.
Nina Jayne feat Roy Ayers – Circles (Richard Earnshaw Remixes) (SonyBMG). Cat No: NJ002. Release Date: NJ 002.
Soul newie Nina Jayne doesn’t have a particularly startling voice and therefore her dulcet tones creep up quite nicely on you. Richard Earnshaw gives her the straightforward house treatment, courtesy of some booming beats, warming synths and Roy’s vibraphone keys that are lost in their own jazziness. Strutting beats, fizzing synths and calm guitars weave their magic on the dub.
Jon Freer(jon.freer_at_wrongsteps.com)
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