Dub-latin house showcased from some rising talent
Richard Diaz | 02/20/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"It's darn annoying how commercially advanced British dance music is compared to the States. First, their audience receives the huge choon mega-comps from Ministry of Sound, Gatecrasher, and the like that offer the best bang for the buck sugar rush on the market. Next, England's on it when capturing dance history from America, not just in variety of soul and funk sets but our key artists: take New York DJs Larry Levan and David Mancuro, massively influential figures in the 70s and 80s with definitive releases (Levan's Live at the Paradise Garage, Mancuro's The Loft 1 & 2) only available via import.Then there's the fact that niche DJs, rising stars, and obscure material have more opportunity to be heard by the public than America currently offers. That's where San Diego's Halo and Hipp-e factor in, the house producer/spinner tandem releasing singles for the past two years and now soaring high on the media buzz-o-meter. In fact, Halo's solo effort "Future" was played by about everyone with a record needle, becoming a definitive tune of 2000. So with their work popularized by Steve Lawler, Doc Martin and the like our friends across the pond tapped the duo for a two-disc mix encapsulating their sound.Ah, their sound. Deliciously groovy tribal-dub-house with strong Latin percussion influences, eschewing singers but loaded with chunky vibe. After a warm up (somewhat repetitive) hour, the takeoff into deeper, spacier rhythms, miles away from diva-obviousness and typical 4/4 stomping, leave you firmly in their grasp. Reliant on intricate beatwork (All Good Funk Alliance "Unica") and sharp execution, when Midnite City Soul Affair's "Still Loving You" drops you couldn't move more if the speaker were wired to your hips. Why, it plays like a set you'd actually want hear at a show when good music, not other activities, was the higher priority It's surprising that the strongly represented West Coast dance scene missed out to nab these men for a DJ release. Ah, they'll probably have that chance, so let's hope that other like-minded acts and leftfield artists, those removed from our superbly marketed rave culture, get their chance instead. Disc 1: B- disc 2: B+"
TO THE POINT: Original and Fresh
Richard Diaz | 07/25/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"No need to write paragraph after paragraph about this CD. If you like Tech-House than you will love this CD.These guys are innovators and their mixing is tight.If all of the songs are unfamiliar than good! This must be an original CD.Halo and Hippie are leaders, not followers.There is a lot of hype on these two "under the radar".Check em' out. You won't be dissapointed."
Revolution in house music
Richard Diaz | 02/13/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having had the chance to watch these gentlemen perform live twice during the last 9 months,this CD represents their ability,passion,their unmatched sound and most importantly their opinion on life,music,themselves and on other people.Your opinion on this CD will definitely reflect your views on other people,your professional career,music and most of all yourselves.In my opinion this was the best album I have purchased for at least three years,and it has been a never ending listening pleasure since the moment I bought it.The key to this CD is that it will sound much better as you listen to it more and over and over again.This is the key and this is what tech-house and tribal house is all about.Patience is the name of the game."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
