scoundrel, Jun 09, 2006
Coolly funky tech-house from Mike Shannon on his album SLIGHT OF HAND. While none of these tracks are obvious dancefloor stormers (though the latter half of the album have tracks that emphasize a strong, propulsive rhythm), they have a subtle quality that blends thumping Chain Reaction-style minimalism with a pronounced melodic sense. Listen to how the tone shifts on “Unexpected Vengeance” or the wavering brightness on “Drool String Espresso.” “Nostalgic Inhale” has a warmth that creeps in halfway through the more mechanical structure, while “Scorpio Libido” thumps straightforwardly. But the closer, “Humid,” has an unforeseen jazziness to it that almost makes it seem out of place. But to slip it in as unobtrusively as Shannon has, well, maybe it’s just more sleight of hand.
4.1/5 (