Reviews:30

 

Soft Rocks
‘The Curse Of Soft Rocks’
ESP Institute

This excellent debut album from Soft Rocks would normally merit my swearing at this very point in exclamation but as it’s Christmas…
This all encompassing blend of everything cool from New Wave to Jazz to whatever they fancy is primed and ready to relieve any questionable seasonal blues you may be harbouring. I would go so far as to say that listening to this will reinvigorate you because while it reminds me of everything from Brian Eno to Sly & Robbie, and even the late great John Martyn, it does so in its own creative, exciting way. Songs and productions tease with touches of dub here, ambience there, while the new single sees Indoor Life and Patrick Cowley co-writer Jorge Socarras deliver typically edgy vocals on Magic Milk, which also provides the chance to dance – as does the Balearic heaven of Slowdown amongst any number of casual others. Basically, this will appeal who anyone loves music and the thrill of not knowing what to expect next. 9

http://www.piccadillyrecords.com/products/SoftRocks-TheCurseOfSoftRocks-ESPInstitute-79972.html

http://www.esp-institute.com/

 

 

Jesse Saunders
‘Old Skool New Skool Vol. 2′
Broken Records

If you know your House Music history – even if you don’t – then this Chicago originator is always well worth listening too. This up-beat selection of great dance music not only references the past but also hits you right up to date with the latest sounds combining seriously jackin’ rhythms together with gorgeous deeper moments. DJ Apois, Back To The Days is a case in point as it reflectively name checks clubs of old but whose production feels completely contemporary, and that’s exactly what’s most appealing here. But then of course the title is: Old Skool New Skool. 8

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Old-Skool-New-Vol/dp/B006HUBQTQ

http://www.brokenrecords.us/homepage.html

 

 

Wilson Santos
‘The Church Song’
Kult Records

This guy is s**t hot! If you’ve heard his previous single for Kult: The Dj The Music and Me, then you will know exactly what I’m talking about. The remix by Dj Jiggy delivers a fired-up tech/ house production that nervously plays crisp percussion against irresistibly commanding keys, and of course Wilson Santos’ inspired vocal – which as you’ll guess from the title is heaven sent. Next is the Nicola Viti De Angelis & Semion Berkovitch remix which has a more progressive feel with warped synths and FX galore for those main room movements. 8

http://www.beatport.com/#release/the-church-song/830715

http://kult.com/

 

Azari & III
‘Reckless’
Loose Lips Records/ Island Records

As if by magic (see the video posted last week!) the single has arrived for review. And now with the chance to experience Paul Epworth’s excellent Extended Mix you can revel in all the songs full glory. Neatly referencing late 80’s/ early 90’s House and with a suggestive visual to match the picture is now complete. Remixes come from the sizzling electro of Tiga, a big room Riva Starr, a very funky Psychemagik, the tastefully dub-wise Enchante, and finally the very hands-in-air MYNC.  8

release: 12 February 2011

http://azariandiii.com/home

 

 

Lana Del Rey
‘Born To Die’
Polydor

In ways this feels like ‘Video Games’ take two – although not quite as initially moving . But if you relished the seductive melancholy of the previous single then you’ll probably require this too. Born To Die functions in a similar vein with emotive strings and deadpan cool vocals striking their chord – an instrumental is included so you can judge for yourself. With an album due of the same name it will be interesting to hear how the sound is expanded over the course of a long player. 7

release: January 2012

http://lanadelrey.com/

 

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