Daniel Bortz - The One

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  • The sometimes contentious trend of sampling forgotten (and not so forgotten) R&B numbers is explored on all four tracks of Daniel Bortz's new EP for Suol. While the context may have been altered, the sentiment remains; all of the original tracks Bortz has borrowed from, were—perhaps unsurprisingly given their original genre—love songs. And love songs they remain, albeit now perhaps more representative of the unrequited, minor key variety. Usher, 112, CocoRosie and Cassie have all been poked, fondled and manipulated by the edit-happy fingers of Bortz, and whether that list brings fear, excitement or indifference, it's hard not to admire the results. Heavy on atmosphere and light on details—much like the emotional turmoil they purport to mirror—they range from the deep and sad to the very deep and downright miserable. Not that there's anything wrong with that. It's a bit like standing in the pissing rain after an argument with your better half. You know you're probably getting hypothermia, but it's actually strangely uplifting to be that cold, wet and miserable. The Cassie-sampling "Other Guys" probably satisfies the most, with her pitched-down vocal sitting particularly nicely over a bed of slick original production. But it's really horses for courses here. For some, Anthony Hegarty's uniquely melancholic vocal on "Cuz You're the One" will send shivers of pleasure charging up and down their spines, while others, I'm sure, will be running for the hills.
  • Tracklist
      A1 Cuz You're The One A2 Don't Call B1 Boyz 2 Men B2 Other Guys
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