Pheek – Supra Opto Cassis EP

Thomas Melchior placed Pheek's "Blue Blue So Electric Blue"on his Circoloco at DC10 10 year anniversary mix

http://www.discogs.com/Various-Circoloco-DC10-10-Years-Anniversary-Part-3-Of-3/release/1409177

Pheek's latest is, according to his website, the result of some MySpace talent-spotting – Lick My Deck picked up these two tracks for release after hearing them on his player. Don't let that give you the impression that they're knockoffs though. The Montreal native has turned in two extremely workable tracks, dripping with funk and ready to ignite messier floors. There's been a sudden surge in the popularity of like-minded work amongst labels such as Floppy Funk, Highgrade, Frankie and Circus Company to name but a few. I call it tech-house, even though I'd prefer not to.

'Blue Blue So Electric Blue' twists and turns through a percussive tunnel, with various congas, bongos and what sounds like a West African talking drum coming in and out of the mix to great effect. The backbone of the track is a very simple shuffling groove, perfectly adapted to accommodate a myriad of effects and filters. No frills but funky and full of life, the cut has a whimsical tone that reminds me of a slightly sped up Brett Johnson. This is groovesome, stripped down house of the highest order.

'Cassis' doesn't do much different and utilises some very similar sounds. Indeed, listening to the two tracks consecutively, there’s just a subtle change in pitch and direction before momentum is gathered and we're off on a ride once more, albeit without drums this time. In the end the track is a little bit rawer than 'Blue Blue…' with the shuffle sounding sharper and more abrasive and there are some nice effects and a nagging riff to carry us home.

Both tunes are tightly coiled springs of energy that will get the job done. Workmanlike they may be, but well-executed tracks like these are quality carbohydrates for the floor.

by Paul Corey for Resident Advisor

http://www.residentadvisor.net/review-view.aspx?id=4874