As the catalog number for this label hits 69, an equally erotic tribal funk mission is launched. With processed, organic percussion leading the march, vocals reminiscent of the din at Berkeley’s Ashby flea market add a truly ritualistic element. The flipside’s mix by Ben Sims adds an element of late-night edge to the diversity.
Sven Dedeck Passion
Germany’s technological missionary offers a taste of ethereal, progressive bliss. Precariously delayed synths frolic within a field of government-issue drum tracks, as a deep, melodic chord progression provides the sultry hook the dancefloor expects. Keep the mainstream crowd attuned with this underground taste.
Adam Jay Naptown Renegade EP
Schooled engineer Jay liberates one of his best 12″ performances yet. Deep basslines and dubbed-out vocal loops reside in the thick of pounding, polyrhythmic tribal espionage. With the release of this title, Adam drives this imprint in a much dirtier and grimier direction.
Paula Temple The Speck of the Future EP
With the kick banging hard on this debut by Sheffield DJ Temple, menacing sixteenth-note synth patterns modulate throughout the stereo perspective. Hypnotic yet melodic, this arrangement excels with vibrant timbre, although the vinyl cut slightly discolors the proper audio hue.
Egyptian Empire The Horn Track
Originally produced by label head Tim Taylor in 1992, this epic techno anthem receives a commendable reworking 10 years later by affiliate Luke Slater. Built for a peak-performance occasion, this bagpipe-infused electro-tech thriller is shuttled by a simple breakbeat to a percussive wonderland. Classic material with no exception.
Russ Gabriel Into the Unknown
Techno veteran Russ Gabriel (who directed his Ferox label for eight years) has been venturing into the nu-jazz world for some time now, most notably with recent singles on the consistent Out of the Loop imprint, which offers up this superb change of direction. Much like contemporary Ian O’Brien, Gabriel explores jazz-fusion in a dance context soaked in live instrumentation, as on tracks like “Patience,” a garage burner with syncopated percussion, steady horns and Corinna Joseph’s Beth Gibbons-esque croon. Unknown bursts forth, though, on tracks like the epic “We Will Be Turning,” whose soaring, layered vocals anchor fractured beats and thick, emotional strings, and “Offenbach West,” a tough Rhodes-fueled broken-beat jam with a fascinating chord progression that weaves in and out of dissonance. Unknown is a brilliant album from a man who has effortlessly made the transition from producer to musician.
Various Artists Asad Rizvi Presents Silverlining Exposures
Asad Rizvi’s Reverberations imprint is known for house-leaning melodic techno releases-some of which, confusingly, are not “techy” enough to be called “tech-house,” but instead maintain the upswing of house rather than than the plodding stomp of techno. Silverlining pulls together a selection of Rizvi’s groovy cuts, including his own “Smiling At The Sun,” which shines warm sunlight through the clouds with laidback percussion, metallic keys and whooshing wind effects. His “Silverlining Boogie Dub” of Haris & Dedan’s “Electro Oro” is a storming, drunken-synth-led track, whose invigorating bass and Middle Eastern sounds ride with tight percussion. Rizvi may be less well-known than some of his musically and geographically close compatriots (Freaks, Terry Francis et. al), but this collection proves he can cut it with the best of them.
Various Artists Mosh Moshi-Nu Sounds From Japan
Japanese releases are often extortionately expensive and extremely rare in the West. Nik Weston, an infamous collector and promoter of Asian electronic music, has come to the aid of the listening public with this collection. The ‘Soljazz instrumental’ of the gorgeously named Gagle’s “Practise & Tactix” is stylish jazz-hop, with a distressed string workout, disjointed rough-and-ready percussion and an overzealous reverbed bass. Osunlade uses a heart-stopping piano, saddened vocals that recognize the truth and fly-away strings to produce a melancholic reinterpretation of UFO’s “Listen Love.” Calm supplies the emotive “De-tuned Atmosphere” which combines an intriguing flute, emphatic beaten percussion, a transporting synth and teary-eyed keys. Ken Ishii’s “Awakening” is initially a surprising choice, but one listen to the rushing keys, backwards acid keyboard work and hot-footed percussion make everything crystal clear. This is just the tip of a colossal musical iceberg.
Tom & Joyce Tom & Joyce
Tom Naim and his cousin Joyce are French practicioners of all things samba. Their goose pimple-inducing Brazilian-house hit “Vai Minha Tristeza” set the world alight, and this debut long player shows what else they have to offer. Enlisting the help of numerous musicians, Tom & Joyce have created a selection of beautiful organic-electronic compositions. “Un Regard, Un Sorire” has the percussion of the slow dance of two lovers, as a guitar tingles and a bass joins the dots. “Vai Minha Tristeza” is the standout by a mile, as waves relax, the kick drum and cymbal hold things together for both the beautiful keys and Joyce’s spellbinding vocals to glide across. “Uma Lagrima” is another wonderfully kind-hearted cut, as an icy-cool flute, new-day strings and stop-dead vocals combine in an awe-inspiring manner. A highly commendable album of relaxing Balearic-tinged grooves from Paris via Rio.
Various Artists Jazz in the House 11: Compiled and Mixed By Phil Asher
In a scene where compilations fall by the wayside, it’s refreshing to see a series make it to their 11th installment. Kiss-100 DJ and producer Phil Asher (a.k.a. Focus) has selected a variety of underground staples and high-profile recent classics, which all find sanctuary under the banner of “jazz-influenced house.” Although the Shelter Vocal of Mondo Grosso’s “Star Suite” clocks in at nearly fifteen minutes, its distinctive Eastern flute, joyful keys and narrative guardian angel vocals justify its inclusion. Kenny Dope’s remix of Nathan Haines featuring Shelley Nelson’s “Believe” sees MAW’s plumper half in fine form, with its unrivalled percussion, sentimental organ and dripping keys. Overall, some far reaching garage.
