TOMMY VICARI JNR レコード& CD

Review: Sheffield-based producer Tommy Vicari Jnr. continues to be a wildly prolific producer, bouncing swiftly from a standout EP on the mighty SlapFunk to a link up with another European luminary, Body Parts. There's an instantly identifiable touch to Vicari's approach, where crunchy, crooked swing and squelchy funk loosen up the structures of minimal tech house to become warmer and more soulful than the average functional fodder. 'No You Needn't Explain' is absolutely built to work the floor, but it's also led by a downright nasty synth line taking its cues from electro funk, while 'Issacgroove' reaches for dizzying heights with its own snappy, Moog-esque licks. 'Anytime' feels like a slippery house inversion of Prince's approach to funk and 'Chapter And Verse' offers up something a little smokier for the later end of the dance.

Review: Tommy Vicari Jnr and SlapFunk is a match made in heaven, and finally they're crossing paths after years keeping innovation and flair alive in minimal tech house. This 12" promises to be the first in a series, and it sounds like we're in for a treat. 'Not Knew' is a flamboyant display of cut-up, sample-based house spliced with freaked out synth elements which give everything an alien finish. There's plenty of space for wonky atmospheres and meditative passages, but Vicari's music is about impactful sound design and a mischievous mood first and foremost.