Marcelo Rosselot Feat. Francisco Allendes // Juan de la Verdad EP [Andes Music]
After a few minutes skipping through this EP, it probably won’t surprise you to find out that Rosselot and Allendes hail from South America. There is that distinct vibe, as made famous by the likes of Luciano and Villalobos, that just seems to emanate from the region. I think its the way that the percussive placement actually holds more musical value than melody does, how each sound seems hand picked and meticulously placed, thereby creating dynamism and emotion from something usually reserved for marking tempo.
Straight Up errs ever so slightly towards the current vogue for low slung house. Allendes’ soulful croon is draped around a familiar beats and bass groove, but the squelches and a slightly unhinged edge to the arrangement really turn it into something unique, rather than a crowd following fashion victim.
Taking things much more Chilean, Felipe Vanenzuela strips away the pure House elements of Straight Up to become decidedly less… straight. Aquatic pads, hi-hats that call and answer from ear to ear and swirling whirls of effects create a fluid and trippy journey, like being whisked down the Amazon at midnight in a helicopter at full tilt.
Title track Juan de la Verdad makes up the final piece in the puzzle, rubbery and oily bass slips between a funky rimshot led groove. Percussion keeps layering, urging you onwards with seemingly the smallest amount of effort.
Certainly a great little collection for fans of the Cadenza sound to get their hooks into.
Release Date: Aug ’12
Words: fourfourfun
