Various Artists - White Days 03

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  • It may just be the vagaries of release dates, but 2008's Focus On... seemed to mark the end of an era for Argy. Since that Poker Flat full-length, the Greek producer has started two labels, put out a record on Objektivity and generally been one of the more interesting figures in nu-house music. On the latest 12-inch for the white label companion to his and Alexander Ross' These Days imprint, that unpredictability continues with a wide-ranging set of edits that should find their way onto a variety of dance floors. First up is Argy's take on Manuel Göttsching's "Sunrain," a version sanctioned by the German guitarist. Argy straightened things out, painstakingly altering the original piece to make sure that his added drum track would fit Göttsching's slightly-out-of-time synth line. Unlike many re-edits that strip the funk, "Sunrain" retains its forward propulsion, and comes out the other side sounding like cosmic bliss. The same goes for "Nine," handled by Argy and Ross. Taken from Autechre's ambient masterpiece Amber, the original's charm was in its dislocation. The talent of Argy and Ross here is in never losing that thread, and yet making it highly danceable at the same time. Less "work" seems to have gone into the second side, but the results are just as good. A simple beat is laid down behind the vocals from The Veils' "It Hits Deep" and John Daly's version of Bryan Ferry's "Don't Stop the Dance" has his typically light touch. Restraint can often be mistaken for a lack of effort. Here, it's exactly what the song required.
  • Tracklist
      A1 Manuel Göttsching - Sunrain A2 Autechre - Nine B1 The Veils - It Hits Deep B2 Bryan Ferry - Don't Stop the Dance
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