"Do you Overstand" Album Review

Stuttgart's Michel Bauman, Philpot records chief and man of many guises, returns for his second outing as the reflective, inquisitive though beat-driven Soulphiction.

'State Of Euphoria', his 2006 debut, delighted all with its combination of menacing torch songs, distorted downtempo moods and layered house warmers – and this follow up is no different. Except that it might possibly be a little deeper and darker. Perfect.

Deftly enhancing rhythm tracks with sound samples of strings, brass and the like, topped off with live instrumentation (predominantly woodwind), Soulphiction's formula is one for the spiritual dancer. If you can get down to Strata East and Larry Heard you're in the right room.

Sozana Rozkosny returns to breath sinuous lines over tense opener 'Chevy Estate'. 'Ghana Wadada' takes proceedings to a sacrificial twilight ceremony of sorts sprinkled with the soil of Africa. The four-four pulse gets stronger on the simple drama that is 'Velveteens' subtely sweetened by those characteristic touches of keys.

'Touch Of The Past' is simply killer with that vocal hook and scattered rhythm. Similarly, 'Prison Song', just grows from a two-note bass riff (courtesy of Berlin DJ and Whitest Boy Alive band member Marcin Oz) to a monster just begging to crack walls (and headz) in Plastic People or Cielo. but it's not all about the house. 'Cargo' is a bugged out, high-hatted, jazz-drum shuffle of the dirtiest order, again demonstrating the man's wide influences and impressionistic touch.

Elsewhere tunes like 'Dark Berry' just evolve and endure; few people within the broadest confines of house are making such emotive music for the floor.

Ideas aplenty. I could go on and try to emulate enjoyment but maybe it's best for you to see what the record does for you. And it will do for you. Essential music for the '08.

(Amar Patel) Straight No Chaser Magazine