Pezzner At Juno Download

Review: The talent demonstrated on a series of releases for the Freerange imprint by Pezzner is given further room to shine with the producer's debut drop for the 8bit imprint. The title track "Mesh" sets the tone for what to expect, with tough, tribal rhythms and a bumping bassline the core around which Pezzner draws in hypnotic vocal hooks and slick Rhodes flutters, building proceedings up to the inevitable and oh so very effective explosion of the main kick groove! "Introductions" provides a deeper accompaniment, serving up smudged textures of rhythm over a stripped back throb, whilst intermittent vocal yearns which are dipped in glitch add an emotive sheen. Up next, "Circles" splays playful vocal loops over a bouncing house rhythm embellished with more delightful touches of Rhodes whilst Zepp01 finishes off proceedings with a nice bubbling, colourful remix of "Mesh".

Review: Considering his Om connections, it's perhaps no surprise to see established deep houser producer Pezzner pop up on the San Francisco-based label's slightly more disco-leaning Smoke N Mirrors offshoot. Yet while there are a few disco touches on "Only With Your Eyes" (most notably the clipped funk guitars that dominate the groove), it could hardly be described as nu-disco. It's actually a rather pleasing rolling jazz-house excursion that benefits greatly from some subtle strings, chiming melodies and decidedly sweaty percussion. Of the two included remixes, it's Nav Izadi's midtempo re-cut that most impresses, thanks largely to its "Steve Reich goes deep house" vibe and some intricate melodic touches.

Review: Dave Pezzner has kept a pretty low profile so far throughout his career. Honing his production skills steadily and subtlety, we were given the impression that the Seattle based artist was a relative newcomer to the world of electronic music. Although that is partially true, in that he is proportionally fresh to deep house specifically, he has been producing music for TV, advertising and games for over fifteen years now. He has also been putting out electronic music as Jacob London with Bob Hansen for years. However, The Tracks Are Alive, his fourth overall release for Jimpster's Freerange imprint, is Pezzner's debut LP. The record is in drenched in the wet, soggy and rainy atmospheres of his Seattle home, while moments like Larissa Kapp's sweet and reassuring vocals on "Find Me" and the contented, soulful deep house of "Dewolfe" are perfect examples of his ability to flood a track with colour. We also see some tougher, more club orientated numbers in "The Tracks Are Alive" and "Chiuso Per Ferie" whereas tracks like "Drones", "Tagschlaf" and "Last Call" all explore a thoughtful and emotionally stirring kind of downtempo electronica. A wonderfully rounded LP.