FLOORPLAN レコード& CD

Review: Detroit don Floorplan aka Robert Hood has mastered the art of the loop. He knows how to distill voices, drums and synths to their core components and then let them roll endlessly. The results are magnificently captivating and the case of this last, gospel-tinged and potent enough to get even the most ardent atheists believing. Look no further than the turbocharged gospel-tech and impassioned choral cries of 'We Give Thee Honor' for evidence. Less grinding ad a little more silky is the uplifting house sound of 'Makes Me Wanna' on the flip. Two magnificent cuts courtesy of Classic here.

Review: While Floorplan's line-up now also contains his daughter, Lyric Hood, for years the project was a solo alias of Detroit techno maestro Robert Hood. This two-tracker dates from that period, with both cuts originally appearing on M-Plant sub-label Duet way back in 2002. Two decades on, both still sound fresh and are excellent examples of Hood's full-bodied but minimalistic approach to Motor City techno. 'Shop' sees him layer looped organ notes, freestyle, high-register synth solos and angular electronics over a driving, locked-in techno beat, while 'Learn' is deeper and more hypnotic with plenty of energy-building TR-909 drum machine fills, psychedelic acid tweaks and faintly foreboding electronic riffs.

Review: A taster for Robert Hood's second Floorplan album, this EP puts a spotlight on the radical nature of his musical transformation. On "Music", the visceral rhythms of techno minimalism are gone; in their place is a rolling, tracky groove that boasts a repetitive vocal loop and which has shades of classic Relief /Derrick Carter. "Tell You No Lie" is even more impressive. It sees Hood use a gospel vocal over a stomping, funk guitar-sampling disco house workout. There is an audibly religious dimension to "Tell You No Lie," but Hood's knack for writing a great tune means that it sounds celebratory rather than self-indulgent or preachy.

Review: Classic Music Company welcomes a real legend to their ranks in the form of Detroit innovator Robert Hood under his Floorplan guise, which has more recently also included his daughter Lyric. The line-up may have expanded, but the sound remains the same - uplifting gospel house with a very real sense of spirit. 'Right There' has dusty hi hat ringlets and warm organ stabs over an endlessly shuffling beat that will get clubs in raptures. 'Holy Ghost' then gets a little more bouncy with lively chords and clipped vocal yelps bringing the energy.