Dutch Rhythm Combo – Antilles EP

DUTCH RHYTHM COMBO - ANTILLES E.P.

Felix Haaksman, the man behind Dutch Rhythm Combo, is back on the floor with his second EP on Pulver Records. After an extensive dj tour and remixes for Rodney Hunter, Dublex Inc., Shantel, OMFO and Lightening Head, he’s ready here with another touch of solo mastery on his long-awaited “Antilles E.P.” Antilles strikes with 360 degrees of steady groove: outstanding for its wide range of musical styles, DRC’s trademark live sound and dj-friendly arrangements. Dutch Rhythm Combo at its very finest.
The EP’s title was no random choice: The Dutch Antilles are a body of Caribbean islands - lightly brushing Venezuela’s soft bosom - that radiate warmth, soul and a long musical tradition. With this EP, Dutch Rhythm Combo is launching us on an imaginary musical voyage through the sultry leisure of the Caribbean Seas. Each track takes its name from one of the islands, and Felix Haaksman has ascribed each one with its own respective sound and groove.
For Aruba he composed a rolling, up-tempo soca-burner, which could seamlessly work up any Antilles Carnival into a fast dance-frenzy.
Bonaire hits slower and moves a notch deeper - developing a down-tempo house funky that radiates intrinsic groove as the setting sun gives way to the night’s warm, rippling pleasures. Joseph Lindsay and Toby Laing of Fat Freddy’s Drop (Joe Dukie & dj Fitchie/Best Seven) drive the horns on this piece.
Curacao is a rework of Dutch Rhythm Combo’s very first release, Makes Me Nippy. Until now, the original version was only available on the very limited Pulver 002 12”, which was never officially released. The reworking has resulted in a tune which breathes the enchantment of scented Caribbean nights and is certain to put a little sweet brown sugar and spice into any cocktail hour.