Review: When you consider that Du Tonc is made up of veteran nu-disco producer Mighty Mouse and Matt from Aussie electropop combo Van She, their recent success - several million Soundcloud plays, hype surrounding a number of quirky cover versions - is not so surprising. Here, they deliver another radio-friendly 'ear-worm': a dreamy, melancholic chunk of nu-disco influenced synth-pop that sounds like a chart-topper in waiting. It has all the ingredients to be a success - think rubbery electric bass, dreamy chords, attractive synth flourishes, flashes of Nile Rodgers style disco guitar, heady vocals and a strong chorus - so expect to hear it a lot in coming months.
Review: Given that Du Tonc is a collaboration between former "next big thing" Mighty Mouse and vocalist Matt Van Schie, it's perhaps unsurprising that their Eskimo Recordings debut, Every Song, shot to the top of the Hype Machine chart. This speedy follow-up - presumably another trailer for a forthcoming debut full-length - looks set to go the same way. Breezy, melodious and evocative, with a killer, radio-friendly vocal, the duo successfully forges an indie-rock sensibility and radio-friendly nous with the laidback breeziness of Balearic nu-disco. The results are predictably enjoyable, and just as suitable for home listening as sun-kissed outdoor parties.
Review: Having previously released Orange, Blue, Green and Pink "collections", Eskimo Recordings continues its' colour-coordinated theme with a Yellow compilation. As usual, the collection draws on material from both established names and lesser-known talents, and does a bang-up job joining the dots between hazy Balearic pop, nu-disco, indie-dance and colourful, soft-focus house. While it's all of a high standard, we're particularly enjoying the sparkling dub disco-goes-Balearic flex of Satin Jackets' dub of Du Tonc's "We Can Hold On", the trippy analogue bump of Man Power's "Fisky", the splendid rush of Luxury's baggy disco groover "Breathe", and the camp, Italo-disco thrust of "El Wild" by the brilliantly named Zombies In Miami.
Review: Eskimo Recordings' colour-themed compilation series has thus far delivered enjoyable material in spades, with the first three albums providing a mix of sun-kissed nu-disco, woozy nu-Balearica, Italo-tinged chuggers, sumptuous syntyh-pop and atmospheric deep house. The Orange Collection, the fourth volume in the series, continues in this vein. Packed with colourful synths, tactile rhythms and vibrant vocals, highlights include the chiming nu-Balearic pop of This Soft Machine, the cheery Italo revivalism of Tarjei Nygard and Are Foss's "Flog", and the quirky Scandolearic deep house wooziness of Trulz & Robin's collaboration with fellow Norwegian Ost, "Find My Love".
