You may know him as Luke Vibert of Warp records, Wagon Chirst of Ninja Tunes, or by his classic drum ‘n bass releases under “Plug”. Well, Vibert has gone to Replex (Richard James’ private label) and released something nobody could have possibly seen coming: disco. And some badass disco at that. In his own words: “I don’t think many people will believe it’s me who’s made it,” say’s Luke. “It doesn’t sound anything like me. Just simple disco grooves. It sounds live, but it’s all programmed to sound like old disco.” The use of handclaps, strings, thick basslines, and warms pulsing synths create a fresh sexy new modern disco sound that is truly original. Vibert has once again proved himself one of the most diverse and talented producers out there.
Hit up for sure: 2, 3 Give a listen: 1, 5, 7, 9
*1) Starts with just high-hat, bass and some synths. Haunting melodies enter, very dark electronic feel. The beat is distinctively disco though, with snare hits replaced by handclaps. (5:08)
** 2) Starts with 15 seconds of what sounds like Jamaican people? After this, one by one, elements fall into place: a thick grooving bassline, light dancing synth melodies in counterpoint, a macabre flute groove. Track keeps the balance of being funky and sexy but also dark and enigmatic. Highly recommended.(6:42)
***3) The first track that makes gives no illusions as to its true nature: fat, funky-ass disco. Handclaps, heavy burbling bass, funk-guitar riffing, lush synth melodies, and another great flute riff. Disco for the 21st century; well done Luke, well done. (7:14)
4) Looped, layered little vocals samples with a sort of tapping beat and heavy synth pulsing, and occasion flutes/woodwinds/triangles. Trippy stuff. (5:27)
*5) Again, lots of little vocal loops, especially a guy going “everybody get on the disco bus”, as well as piano and synth riffs juxtaposed beautifully. Occasional use of bongos and various other percussion. (6:49)
6) Very uptempo (140ish) cut with lush synths fading in and out. Quick, bubbling bass enters. (7:10)
*7) Funky drums and woman grunting. Acid synth comes in, as well as muted horns. Buttery female vox. Very dark, funky, original stuff. (6:30)
8) Starts with some latin sounding rhythms as well as deep rich bass line. Echo-y synth lines dance in and out. Flute joins the mix. (5:38)
*9) Guitar wa-was, horns, synths, simple 1-3 beat. Addictive acid melody enters followed by sick slap-bass line.
10) More house than disco in my opinion. Heavy bass and a more 4-4 feel. Accoustic guitar and strings give the cut a light airy feel. Hand-claps breakdowns do capture the disco feel. A nice upbeat closer.