Barcelona’s Jefferson Velazquez knows some tasks are too important to let others do, having released all his vinyl appearances on his Terpsichóré imprint. His latest, “I’m Done With It,” evokes Matthew Herbert’s springy mid-90’s house material in sound and execution when Velazquez stitches together sampled fragments in jaunty patterns ensconced in syncopated hi-hats. Repeated use of vocal samples (“when do the new Cadillacs come in?” and “that’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard”) can chafe, almost baiting listeners to agree or disagree, but they’re begrudgingly catchy in a mid-90’s way. Rick Wade’s doesn’t remix the track so much as record himself transitioning into one of his own mellow productions, front loading references to the original between thicker percussion, a roving bass line and tepid pads. It’s decent enough, but the intersection of their aesthetics seems forced. A second Velazquez tune in this style could have been better.
Great review – but sounded to my ears more Akufen than Herbert circa 100 lbs. And those vocal samples.. people need to stop smoking pot in the studio! Is it an in-joke as I can see no point for them being in the track? Hope not being too harsh because I like the bassline and it is a well constructed track.
Missed this one – good stuff
Good call on Akufen. I was thinking more of Herbert’s material in the run up to Around the House and his remixes from the period (which probably influenced Akufen as well).