by Ben Hogwood
Published post no.2,176 – Sunday 12 May 2024
New music – Warrington-Runcorn New Town Development Plan: A Shared Sense of Purpose (Castles In Space)
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Category Archives: Switched On
Let’s Dance – Various Artists: Balance presents Dave Seaman & Quivver (Balance)
by Ben Hogwood
What’s the story?
For their contribution to the esteemed Balance Series, Dave Seaman and Quivver have gone down the exclusive route. Each of the tracks chosen for the pair of mixes has not been released before, and both artists have cast the net across their network of contacts to ensure the quality remains high throughout.
That means exclusive tracks from the likes of Einmusik, Timo Maas, Just Her and Anthony Pappa, as well as a long sought-after and seldom-heard remix from Seaman, that of Underworld’s Low Burn.
The two friends have also locked horns on five new tracks which they present throughout the mixes.
What’s the music like?
When I say ‘solid’, that’s not meant as an insult – more an observation that while house music goes down some weird and wonderful avenues you can rely on these two for a consistently good mix. Their experience shines through in the pacing each mix receives, setting an airy atmosphere early on and then building inexorably to a strong finale.
The pair secure a typically atmospheric, smoky start, before the music gets progressively more full-bodied through tracks like Murat Uncuoglu’s Magico. Horizons, a collaboration between Kamilo Sanclemente, Anthony Pappa and Jamie Stevens, flickers atmospherically, then the sounds sharpen and the pace quickens for AIKON’s Hurricane and the excellent, moody Walensee from Einmusik. We then move through the gears for the excellent Seaman / Quivver co-productions Mushroom Embargo and Make This Disappear, with a feel of Dave Gahan in the vocals from Quivver, before Robert Babicz’s smouldering Mystik.
The second mix has impressive urgency from the start, toughening up with Timo Maas’ remix of pølaroit’s Apart, then leading through a shimmering breakdown from Jamie Stevens’ The Peace Machine before getting a shift on through Stas Drive’s Hold Me Tight.
The Low Burn remix is certainly worthy of the hype, Seaman sprinkling star dust over a strong beat with brooding interventions from the bass and Karl Hyde’s ‘be bold, be beautiful’ imprint whispered against the grain. From there to home there is more darkly magnificent music, the closing trio from Jamie Stevens (Verlaine), Chicola (Dust Coins) and Ron Flatter (Ovid)
Does it all work?
It does – the pair using all their dance music knowhow to get the pacing right, so that each mix feels like a single chapter of the night.
Is it recommended?
It is – quality house music delivered with style and polish.
Listen
Buy
You can explore purchase options and listen to excerpts from the mix on the Balance website
Published post no.2,175 – Saturday 11 May 2024
Let’s Dance – Justice: Hyperdrama (Ed Banger / Because)
by Ben Hogwood
What’s the story?
With the dissolution of Daft Punk, Justice are now one of the mainstays of French dance music, flying the flag with their fourth album.
Hyperdrama is their first long player in seven years, but they spent a lot of time recording, enlisting guest vocalists such as Tame Impala‘s Kevin Parker, Thundercat and Connan Mockasin – but also making good chemistry with new talent RIMON and Miguel.
What’s the music like?
The music for Hyperdrama may not be a massive departure from what Justice do best, but that is surely good news for those who love them. The album is well thought out, starting off with a high from the likes of Generator, which is contrasted nicely with the two Kevin Parker tracks, and Incognito, which works the room well.
Then it all changes around half way through, the tempo slowing and the saxophone emerging for the cheesy but enjoyable Moonlight Rendez-Vous, a slow track that nonetheless works a treat as a poolside chillout tune.
Then, gradually, the energy returns – with Saturnine and The End.
Does it all work?
Pretty much – the only reservation being that Justice may have used a bit too much studio gloss in the final production process.
Is it recommended?
It is. Hyperdrama may be a bit more polished than previous work bit it still presses all the right buttons!
Listen & Buy
Published post no.2,163 – Monday 29 April 2024
Switched On – Adam Wiltzie: Eleven Fugues For Sodium Pentothal (Kranky)
by Ben Hogwood
What’s the story?
This is an eagerly awaited solo album from Adam Wiltzie, once part of acclaimed duo Stars Of The Lid with the much-missed Brian McBride.
For this album, he looks to anaesthetic drugs for inspiration, recreating in a musical sense the feeling of induced sleep, where cares are parked and the brain is slowed.
Aiding him with production is Loop‘s Robert Hampson.
What’s the music like?
Some ambient music immediately makes you go “Aaah…”…and that is definitely the case with Adam Wiltzie, who sets out on a serene journey with these pieces.
They may not be fugues in the musical sense, but there is a sense of precision, a stately profile where each note carries equal importance.
The evocatively titled Buried At Westwood Memorial Park, In An Unmarked Grave, To The Left Of Walter Matthau, runs in two slow parts, its supporting ambience soft in focus but not in content.
Robert Hampson’s production supports Stock Horror, where a sonorous drone underpins an elegant chord progression. Dim Hopes adds bell-like chimes up top, while the drone takes on a new dimension in the deep, rumbling bass of Mexican Helium. A similar power can be felt in the broad scope of As Above Perhaps So Below.
Does it all work?
It does, especially if the album is experienced as a single musical canvas.
Is it recommended?
Without hesitation. It is reassuring indeed to have this release from Wiltzie, whose poise and stature in modern ambient music will only be enhanced by this special album.
Listen & Buy
Published post no.2,162 – Sunday 27 April 2024
Let’s Dance – Alexander Robotnick: Kind of… Robotnick (Hot Elephant)
by Ben Hogwood
What’s the story?
This is the third album in Alexander Robotnick‘s Simple Music series, and presents eight tracks in the Italian producer’s hallmark style.
What’s the music like?
Electronic disco is the name of the game, and Robotnick delivers a set of classy productions that are straight on the dancefloor with no messing.
Moving Light sets the tone, chunky beats and minimal but effective production that gets straight to the point. Robotnick has a sleek delivery, and the likes of A Tech House In Nilwella and Lipstick operate with ease over strong, four to the floor beats, the latter going for a sharper set of timbres. What You Think Of Me is quicker, and the bass has real presence, but arguably the best is saved for last with Rounding About, a really strong groove.
Special mention should also go to A Blow To The Heart, with a fine guest turn from Ludus Pinsky.
Does it all work?
It does. Robotnick hits the groove running and doesn’t stop!
Is it recommended?
Yes, and if you’ve got the other two in the series there is no need for hesitation. If you haven’t, and fancy a set of nocturnal grooves with an electro edge, then look no further.
Listen & Buy
You can listen to the album and explore purchase options on the Beatport website
Published post no.2,154 – Saturday 20 April 2024
Arcana.fm 