recloose At Juno Download

Review: Although he's proved himself to be a producer with great versatility over the last 15 years, little Matt 'Recloose' Chicoine has done in recent times has been quite as raw and exciting as his early work for Planet E. This second sampler for Rush Hour's excellent compilation of early Recloose singles, B-sides and demos offers solid proof. "MYM 230", first released way back in 1998, is true future jazz; a naive but far-sighted fusion of low-end house pulse, jazz percussion and the sweetest of vocal samples. Then there's "Can't Take It", Chicoine's first "big" tech-jazz hit for Planet E. Blessed with a wonderful vocal from the then unknown soul vocalist Dwele, it still sounds next level 11 years after it was first released.

Review: Following last year's well-received Saturday Night Manifesto EP, Recloose continues his association with Rush Hour. "Feels Like Magic" is arguably his best single for some time, a typically swinging slice of winter sunshine that sits somewhere between deep house, soul and future garage. As usual, there are some unusual choices of sounds - pedal steel, anyone - that help give the whole thing a unique, next-level feel. Old pal Carl Craig provides a tough but surprisingly smooth re-edit that's already seen some serious rotations on promo. It's a near-anthemic rub that emphasises the vocal and adds some seriously heavy sub-bass pressure. As if that wasn't enough, bonus cut "UHF" offers a milky mix of bouncy deep house and dewy-eyed Balearica.

Review: This EP is Recloose's first new material in three years, and thankfully, it was worth the wait, as he proves himself to be a master of subtly alternating moods. "Electric Sunshine" is as bright as its title suggests, slowly unfolding its samples outwards from within, melding buttery bass tones with euphoric horns and strings to bring about a sense of soulful bliss. "Parquet" is similarly brilliant, combining staccato vocal snippets with rubbery synths and driving US garage inspired percussion. "Tecumseh" alternates between an abrasive techno bassline and a warmer vocal sample which unfurls itself into something completely unexpected. Despite the years he has on younger producers doing similar things, his productions sound as fresh as anything being released at the moment. Be sure to check them digital only bonus beats too! Highly recommended.