- Chris Coco is one of those under the radar type artists whose name springs up here and there, which is quite surprising really considering the man has been heavily involved in the Electronic music scene since the 80’s where he was a big part of the rave and acid house scene. Since the 90’s however, Chris has found a home making some very smooth and chilled beats, and it is with this latest album Heavy Mellow where the very best of Chris Coco can be found.
The album is definitely a delight for those lazy Sunday summer afternoons. ‘Searching For The Balearic Heartbeat’ is a great track early, using some beautiful atmospheric elements to open the album nicely. The title track, ‘Heavy Mellow’, is another one of those stunning moments where beautiful ambient sounds meet smooth vocals lines placed over delicate piano lines. ‘Memory Of A Free Party’ uses some quirky and subtle bass sounds as well as some vocal samples over some dialogue. ‘What Do You Do When The Dancing Stops’ is also very nice, with smooth ocean sounds meeting a glimpse of melody. There is a bit of grittiness in ‘Just Another Steamy Afternoon In Suburbia’, with the use of chunky basslines and host of interesting samples. ‘Summer Love’ ends the album in a good mood with nice uplifting melodies and vocal samples as well as some nice basslines.
There is an extra DVD video included that features some of the tracks on the first cd with some interesting artistic video, making it perfect to throw on the plasma on a lazy day with mates. It is a really good addition to a very solid package and one that really should be included in more albums these days one would suggest.
Overall this is a very smooth and relaxing album with a minimal amount of intense moments or overpowering sounds. It is Chris Coco in his element and as we have seen him in the past with his chill out albums, so if that is what you are looking for then not many do it better then Coco.