Review: Nicolas Chaix aka I:Cube's first album in a decade features eight tracks, created almost entirely on hardware machines and recorded in real time with hardly any editing. Partly inspired by his 'Cubo Live Sessions' series, Chaix channelled his emotions and instincts to create a body of work that is truly expressive and original. It's a varied affair: "Vanteblue" is a psychedelic post-punk influenced workout, then there's some off-centred experimental downbeat in the form of "La Grotte Aux Fees". Elsewhere, the deeply hypnotic techno of "0_0_01_48" helps you reach pure enlightenment, while some sombre and introspective ambient journeys such as "Montsouris" and "Infinite Melodies" respectively see the veteran French producer creating something that was truly worth the long wait.
Review: Given that Versatile Records is now into its 20th year, it's perhaps unsurprising that boss Gilb'r is in a nostalgic mood. The latest edition in the label's occasional Classics series delivers two early gems from 1996, when the Parisian imprint was - like others in the French capital - dedicated to delivering "French touch" style disco-house. First up is Daft Punk's overlooked remix of I:Cube's brilliant "Disco Cubizm" - think deep house-meets-French filter funk - which still sounds fresh two decades after its original release. Flip for something previously unheard: an alternate version of DJ Gregory's similarly classic rework of Cheek's "Venus (Sunshine People)", an obscure Gilb'r production with a warm, happy, anthem-like feel.
Review: The Versatile main man and one half of Chateau Flight doesn't drop as many singles these days as he used to, but at least when he holds off he can come correct with some firepower for the floor. Sizzling hats and a solid disco beat set the tone for "Transpiration" while the meat of the track comes in the form of a nasty old-skool rave stab. It's a monster tune that should get sweat pouring from anything in a five-mile radius. The title track is a pacey, Italo flavoured cut that seems to intentionally challenge the demonic moniker, while "Jah Menta" opts for a deeper shade of disco. Highly recommended.
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