Reviews:34

Jazzanova
‘Upside Down’
Elektrish / Sonar Kollektiv

Time to get excited. Upside Down is a selection of favourite remixes for Jazzanova from the last eight years and at the very, very least highlights all the elements which make the collective such a vital piece of our musical jigsaw: good song-writing and forward-thinking musicianship that encompasses both real and virtual instruments. In ways you only have to look at the list of remixers to see the picture so I’ll mention just a few: Alex Barck, Henrik Schwarz and Ame and so the list travels on… The collection never feels like it’s merely replaying the past but building upon it with fresh technology and invigorating vocals – and of course Paul Randolph and Ben Westbeech sing here too. Needless to say that there isn’t one filler on here, indeed all tracks are standout moments! 9

http://www.sonarkollektiv.com/releases/SK232CD/

http://www.jazzanova.com/eng_index.php

& the original version of Jazzanova ‘I Can See’ feat. Ben Westbeech 

 

Leo Zero
‘Acid Life’
Leo Trax

The album begins with a voice: Let’s Go! Well then, lets! What’s so exciting about this album is that it replays all its Chicago/ Detroit influences all in one go and never feels less than party time. But back to that opening track which bangs out sexy Hi-Nrg syncopation like it never went out of fashion and needs to be heard LOUD. More Jackin’ rhythms follow swiftly with Body Music and fly through a selection of classic drum and bass sounds booming straight out of the late eighties, although sometimes seen from today’s perspective such as on Electricity with its cinematic stabs and crescendo of big drums or on the finishing intricate funk of Warehouse Style. Marcel’s vocals feature virtually throughout and add warmth to acid attitude. Don’t say revival – it never went away in the first place. 8

http://www.junodownload.com/products/1904007-02.htm

http://www.leozero.com/

 

Luca C and Brigante
‘Invisible Cities’
Southern Fried

Hats off to Southern Fried for releasing this perfect summer (mini) album smack bang in the middle of winter – I makes the end of January feel a whole lot warmer. This really is a refreshing listen and for those of a Balearic disposition plays out gentle electronic atmospheres along with cool, soulful feeling vocals. For those not of that persuasion you may well hate it but ho-hum. The Beach typifies it all. At times Invisible Cities is slightly dreamy and California, at others stylishly European and Vangelis. Can that ever be a bad thing? 8

http://soundcloud.com/lucacandbrigante

http://www.southernfriedrecords.com/luca-c-brigante-invisible-cities/

 

 

Knee Deep
‘All Nite’ (Remixes)
The Brothers

Next as part of a series of single releases, which eventually cumulate as an entire album collection, this nugget from Knee Deep is the latest to be remixed. Aaron Ross turns it on big time with one of his strongest mixes to date, and as a fan of drums and most definitely bass this sees sizzling beats and percussion combine perfectly with a delicious bassline and synths on the Main Mix. There’s also a Deep Mix which is deeper and a Brothers version that feels polite in comparison. 8

http://www.traxsource.com/index.php?act=show&fc=tpage&cr=titles&cv=133246&alias=upfront

http://www.thebrothers.ch/

 

Kraak and Smaak
‘Hold Back Love (feat Lex Empress)’
Jalapeno Records

If you’re a sucker for that early eighties Boogie sound then this is for you plain and simple. Although that’s not to say Lex Empress doesn’t deliver with tastefully sassy vocals or also that the D-train etc vibes aren’t irresistible either – they are. Remixes come from the excellent Lovebirds who twist the groove into deeper territory  to let the chorus feel that bit more powerful when it hits, Analog People in a Digital World give it a more provocative edge, while Neighbour and Elan B play around with jazzy touches on their playful dub-wise take. 8

http://www.traxsource.com/index.php?act=show&fc=tpage&cr=titles&cv=133180

http://www.kraaksmaak.com/blog/hold-back-love-feat-lex-empress-remixes/

And for inspiration D-Train ‘You’re The One For Me’ (1981)