- The four tracks on Sound Design Vol. 1, which date back to 1992, wouldn't sound out of place in a DJ set in 2013. Maybe it's just a good remastering job, or maybe it's that legions of producers are imitating this very style to a tee. But then Todd Terry was always a master of his form. Sound Design is a short-lived alias of Terry's, and while these tracks might not command the most respect in his catalogue, they may well gain a new life through Clone's ongoing reissue series that highlights his Freeze imprint.
There's something loose and limber about these tracks that sets them apart from modern iterations. The rigid groove of "Searchin'" is pried open by its Larry Levan-esque hand percussion so that it's almost floaty, while the catchy vocal is contrasted by harshly processed horns. "I Need Ya" has a relaxed feel to its jazzy stride—not even its indelible screeching sample can ruin the mood. "Razen Theme" is feverish in comparison. With a jogging beat reinforced by steel mallets and incensed diva howls, it shows how classic house could be both brash and earnest. Centering on a simple command—"make the beat pound!"—and not doing much with it, "Funky Brass" is the smallest revelation here, but then reissuing Sound Design Vol. 1 wasn't meant to shed light on long lost gems. Rather, it's a reminder of how prominent house's roots remain and, more importantly, how little their impact has diminished through the years.
TracklistA1 Searchin'
A2 Razen Theme
B1 Funky Brass (UK Remix)
B2 I Need Ya (Remix)