Various - Illusion Recordings Presents Connections Vol.1

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  • Between 2011 and 2014, Illusion Recordings put out nine 12-inches. Many were in the then-popular style of '90s throwback house. ("The NY House Trak" by NY Stomp, AKA Gerd, was one of the sound's biggest hits.) The UK label's tenth release, a seven-track compilation that spans warm deep house and eerie melodic techno, suggests that its bosses, Tom Craven and James Cotterill, have broadened their tastes since then. All seven producers featured on Illusion Recordings Presents Connections Vol.1 will release solo EPs on the label in the next year or two. Given how good this compilation is, it's an exciting prospect. There's no question that Connections Vol.1 is for DJs. Keith Worthy, one of two more established artists on the EP alongside Norm Talley, a fellow Detroit act, opens the compilation with a perky slice of peak-time club funk. Talley shows how much you can do with firm claps, moody pads and a killer bassline. The next five cuts, split across three slabs of wax, are from lesser-known acts, but the music is even better. Tommy Vicari Jnr's "YL," a techno track, will hook you with its hauntingly beautiful melody. Janeret's "Traveller," a chunky deep house cut in the Parisian mould, makes smart use of echo. "Aftermath," by the Sheffield producer John Shima, is a weepy early-hours bomb comprising wispy earworms and robust percussion. The standard dips on the final two tracks, both of which are solid tools but lack oomph. Annie Errez's "Proxy Funk" has a nice rubbery bassline, while "Nothing, No One" by Bobby O'Donnell, a fellow Mint Club resident, could do with some extra ingredients to fill its dark, empty spaces.
  • Tracklist
      A1 Keith Worthy - The Soul Clap A2 Norm Talley - DETROITAFTADARK B1 Tommy Vicari Jnr - YL B2 Janeret - Traveller C1 John Shima - Aftermath C2 Annie Errez - Proxy Funk D1 Bobby O'Donnell - Nothing, No One
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