- Even after going solo post-Mute & Mako, Stephen Redmore has only had a few releases where he's been the centre of attention. But that's been changing as of late. Back To The Source, his solo debut for Dispatch, follows solid turns on Warm Communications and Metalheadz, and sees him tapping into a soulful old-school vibe.
A collaboration with Villem, the nimble "We Could Help Each Other," has all the poise of a prime Break cut. Chopped-up diva samples flit around madly like hummingbirds, while shimmering chords brush against growling basslines. There's even a French horn to pad the more aggressive passages. "Planet Physical," meanwhile, is like a techstep action movie with its choral vocals and huge drums, and a careful upright-sounding bassline gives it a classic vamping feel.
"Do You Know What I'm Saying" sneaks marimba-style percussion into its snaky drum barrage, although the track's determined stagger grows stale after a few minutes. The digital-only bonus, "There's Nothing We Can't Be," should've been on the vinyl instead: layered with triumphant synths and eager vocals, it replaces the retro sensibilities with a thick coat of modern gloss.
TracklistA1 We Could Help Each Other feat. Villem
B1 Planet Physical
B2 Ya Know What I’m Saying