Review:
Phillip Meier aka Sante is back. The rising star from Southern Germany presents us with "909 Basement" for the Knee Deep In Sound powerhouse. The title track lives up to its name, with the drum machine's stomp and hiss driving the track for the most part and perfect for sub level shut ins that go 'til late. "Text Message" is more the kind of funky party starting tech house you'd expect from the label: tight rhythm, sharp bassline and trippy synth melodies and works a treat. Finally "Endless" is more of a tough and bass driven DJ tool for the peak time that will elevate adrenaline levels as good as a Gruuv or Saved track anyway.
Review:
It's interesting to hear that some contemporary producers are drawing inspiration from UK garage from the 90s instead of deep house from the same period. "The Way" features those unmistakable shuffling drums and a soaring bassline, but the inclusion of rich strings and a filtered disco riff mean it's as musical as it is moody. In any event, Sante has conjured up a more resonating feeling on the title track, which features Gjaezon on vocals. The evocative narrative about "it's gonna affect my state of mind" is backed by dark claps and a rolling, acid-flecked groove. "Blended" is more driving, and its booming bassline lends it the same kind of eerie atmosphere as classic Suburban Knight.
Review:
Sante drops his second studio album on AVOTRE. This collaborative project features remixes and guest features from the house scene's biggest acts and it's all rather impressive. Starting out with the tough and dusty warehouse shuffle of "Octave" (Ninetoes remix), Denney's remix of "Never Enough" gets a taste for the acid life where he works that silver Roland box like a you know what!His teaming up with the imitable queen of Detroit Ann Saunderson on "Promises" showed us some jacking and hi-octane techno-soul too. Elsewhere, there's his remix of the legendary Marshall Jefferson anthem "I Believe" and a track with the Stereo MC's entitled 'I Need'. wAFF (Hot Creations) joins the line up of world leading talent with "Interferenze" before the LP is brought to a brilliant close with a remix from long-time friend Sidney Charles called 'Sick Drummer', not to mention Sante's interpretation of Roland Clark's "What The F**K" to boot!
