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

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

by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Alexander Robotnick doesn’t do anything by halves. The Italian producer – real name Maurizio Dami – has been making disco or disco / house hybrids with great success for more than 30 years now, so it comes as little surprise to report that a second volume of Simple Music follows hot on the heels of the first, at a distance of just three months.

Simple Music refers to the sort of music Robotnick wants to hear when he goes digging for records, and finds him delivering eight new tracks for the dancefloor.

What’s the music like?

Classy. Robotnick is a past master at this sort of stuff, and the music here achieves its aim with the minimum of fuss. Green Past is a great way to start, a bit of mood music with an atmospheric, repeated vocal that would work just as well with opening credits as it does at the start of a disco album. Robotnick knits the melodies together with ease. And Here It Comes Again is a strong Italo-disco cut, and moody with it.

Intergalactic Travel is a brilliant 80s-present day hybrid, with a suitably deadpan vocal and complementary riffs underpinned by a strong beat. Though it is pure escapism the track is actually discounting the possibility of reaching new worlds! Arpico is similarly effective, its oscillating riff bathed in warm textures.

The World Is Dark, proclaims a whispered voice, while its counterpart suggests ‘the world is shiny’. Rippling synthesizers respond, and a bass that glints in the darkness – again a highly effective track. A Blow To The Heart is a burst of nostalgia – ‘listen to your early mixes’, it warns over a squelchy bass. Canzon Triste introduces hints of melancholy, a more minimal and less effective track, but Le Carillon sweeps that away with a riff that bounces around like a game of ping pong, set to a strong rhythm.

Does it all work?

It does. Robotnick knows exactly what he is doing, and the hand of experience delivers eight consistently good tracks primed for the discerning dancefloor.

Is it recommended?

It is – and it’s as good as the first volume.

Listen

Buy

You can listen to clips and purchase at the Juno download website