Tomson and Benedict // we_ctrl 001 [we_ctrl]
I can happily admit to being a hypocrite when it came to the wrench of moving from Vinyl to CDs. I was a stubborn fool and, as many of us were at the time, was unable to imagine a future beyond vinyl. Even today there is the Digital vs CD debate which rages on yet, within this, there is a magnificent new love affair of younger Djs utilising Traktor Scratch and Technics turntables. In utilising the best in modern technology and past glory, they create something that is new and yet credible, contemporary yet classic.
In this respect it is utterly refreshing to hear Manchester’s Tomson and Benedict take the classic elements of Chicago and re-interperate them for a modern audience on this labels Debut release. All the stylings are classic here but there is no over reliance on tired old drums, hats and synths as the duo offer up an individual track each here and a superb collaboration.
Bendict’s track is possibly the straightest groove of the three. The prudent bassline and delicious percussion and high strings thrusts us along nicely, everything bubbles with the hips jacking nicely to this until we hit the second break with some nice rhodes work and on-the-beat cymbals finish us off nicely.
Tomson’s Time for Change is another vibe up my street – powerful production with some sumptuous atmospherics and the vocals sitting perfectly in the mix. A classic 4 bar riff falls in to fill out the backdrop and is filtered expertly before an acidized organ arpegates and drops notes from from the the sky. The bass then also reaches up to catch the melodies falling from the sonic heavens and creates a cool euphoric moment that house heads will love.
In the end though, it’s the collaboration track Switch that’s the stand out. This garage style track could have sounded twee but the expertise applied in the studio means this is fresh and vibrant. It’s a joyful groove filled with some great stuff – arps, piano, tuned hats and some powerful organ stabs too. It’s smiles on the face stuff and an infectious as hell – and immensely enjoyable.
An EP of great class and it’s great to hear a modernisation of sound that is passionate and real – get involved.
Release Date: Out Now
Words: Mike 13
