Wehbba / ‘Full Circle Remixes’
Vinyl / Digital
Tronic / Released May 1st 2011
What does it sound like?
Techno, tech house, house, all of which is rolling and, at times, pretty driving. Last year’s LP from hard-working Brazilian producer Wehbba was a solid, well-produced treat and this is no worse. Featuring a host of remixers from Christian Smith’s Tronic camp, if we were to say that this is occasionally lighter than the imprint’s tougher output, but still offers plenty for the jackathon-loving, juggernaut 2am set, then fans should know where to place things.
We kick off the label boss-man, who takes Still Life, one of the original album’s downtempo tunes, and turns it into something aimed solely at the dancefloor, with a runaway train melody and relentless rhythm being just two of the assets therein. From here we call by the likes of Joseph Capriati, who provides a suitably muscular, steam-engine driven slice of ‘proper bloke music’ that’s neither inaccessible nor running the risk of being labeled weak by its peers- as those familiar with the man’s recent work on Drumcode will no doubt expect.
So that’s heavy kicks, and a habit-inducing percussive section, married with stabs of filtered horns and gradually building hi-hats, if that wasn’t clear enough already. In contrast, far groovier moments can be found on 2000 and One’s interpretation of Surrender, a head-bobbing stepper, complete with Public Enemy sampling “Bass” loops and many other traits one associates with contemporary toybox tech. All of which should give some idea as to the overall flavour of this collection.
Where would I dance to it?
As has been said, diversity is one way to describe this release (albeit within the techno genre). As such house parties, raves, rammed clubs, bars and more are all homes for people looking to hear this kind of music.
What highlights can I expect to hear?
D-Nox & Beckers threaten to take the trophy for track of the album with an excellent, universally enjoyable remix of The Speech. Muted pianos and vocal stabs, underpinned by solid bass and beats being the order of the day, throwing a curveball as the distorted melody and gospel-like sample refuse to emerge for some five-minutes. That said, Samuel L. Session comes close with the same tune, shifting the pitch control on the synth to create something with more of an acidic shuffle, adding to the competition. However, neither can beat Peter Herrevort’s mildly mesmerising version of Technocolor, which should read: ‘heads down, druggy outing that erupts into a melodic, chunky air-puncher, saturated in filtered house’.
Why should I pay for it?
There’s little to argue most can find at least four singles to suit their taste from the eight pieces included in this package. With that in mind value for money is the reason to spend.
Where can I buy it?
Beatport, record stores.