The Force Volume 1

The Force Volume 1

Eloi Brunelle, Jeff Bennett, Neurot...

25 August, 2007 | 4.55PM

• Written by: Lee Smith
• Filed under: Music Recommendations:

Night Drive Music Limited have been quietly delivering a stream of cool tech-house for some time now, keeping the flames of traditional tech-house alive while neatly incorporating modern trends and tricks. 

This four-track sampler on the label’s ‘limited’ offshoot showcases the various shades of Night Drive’s sound, with four tracks of varying tempo and style, all united by a strict attention to the whims of the dancefloor.

Brunelle’s ‘Grouve’ is certainly the chunkiest track on offer, with a thumping break and a sneaky, almost comedy bassline offsetting some optimistic melodic swirls.

It may be a bit obvious-sounding for those who demand deepness and sophistication from their tech-house, but it’ll certainly keep straight-up crowds jigging along nicely.

Next up is Sweden’s highly-rated Jeff Bennett, a regular on Nightdrive and one of the most prolific artists of the last few years.

His updated version of ‘Desire’ sees him discarding his usual dub-heavy delays in favour of a tighter, spring-propelled groove, with ethereal static flutters giving the track a strangely euphoric feel.

That said, there’s still a subdued sense of menace hidden within the perfectly layered channels that’ll keep the tension on the floor.

Neurotron’s contribution is a perfectly acceptable but rather workmanlike slice of sassy, bongo-bashing deepness that’ll sit sweetly in warm-ups or more intimate environments, and Klartraum’s ‘Ghost’ is a functional five minutes of tribal-ish minimal.

Nothing here is particularly earth-shattering, but there’s still plenty of interest for DJs from a variety of musical persuasions. 

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