If you believe any one of a number of surveys - and in this instance I can cut the market researchers some slack - then today, January 3rd, is the most depressing day of the year. The Christmas and new year celebrations are over, no one has any money, every one is back in work and the weather is crap. There's nothing good on television and no decent clubs to go to. Thankfully, I've recruited a little helper to get me through the gloom and doom. It's called 'Serenity' and it's by German DJ Prosumer and vocalist Murat Tepeli. What I love about this album is that they make absolutely no effort to hide their fascination for and desire to recreate classic Chicago house. There are no subtle nods at modern production techniques, just 17 tracks that range in emotion from soulful (much as I hate that word, there is no question that Tepeli's rich, velvety tones are anything but) to brooding and melancholic to playful and flirtatious (especially vocalist Elif Bicer's appearance on the call and response ‘Turn Around’). This is expertly produced music, but with a sparse approach: there are only a few elements in each track, yet the claps and kettle drums are placed only where they are absolutely needed. At times, it's just Tepeli backed by a kick drum, but there is so much warmth to the raw technique that the end result will put a spring in your step and a silly smile on your face. I urge you to check it out.
edit: As has been pointed out in the comments section, it's Prosumer (Achim) who does the vocals. He was also nice enough to email me privately to say 'I am flattered' which is very sweet.
I'm fairly certain it's Prosumer who is behind the majority of the sung male vocals rather than Murat.
You're dead on, though. This album is going to stand tall over the first half of 2008 at least.
Posted by: Steve | January 03, 2008 at 07:32 AM
Where can I find this? It sounds great.
Was it a promo or has it been released?
I can't find it for sale anywhere.
Posted by: beat | January 04, 2008 at 01:48 AM
nice tip there man, liking the samples for this, looking forward to it being released...
L.
Posted by: lerosa | January 04, 2008 at 02:29 AM
I can't wait to hear this, do you know what date it's released?
Posted by: Jacob | January 04, 2008 at 04:13 AM
I have this but haven't listened yet, look forward to it now.
Prosumer's remix of Dash Dude from last year is quality.
Posted by: Ronan | January 05, 2008 at 12:35 PM