Sharaz - Roughneck
4 out of 5 stars
Producer, DJ, and record label owner and operator Sharaz releases his newest single "Roughneck." This release, on his 941 record label, is the thirtieth release for his label, and it is something that will appeal to anyone that likes breaks. The Sharaz sound is a very hard thing to define. He is a man that is influenced by many kinds of music and it shows in his recordings. Before DJing and producing, he played the drums and it can be seen in his uncanny ability to program drum patterns.
This release is a four track single but it takes the listener on a journey through a few different sounds. The tracks are mostly of Florida origins but to switch it up he includes an excellent downtempo track. He starts it off with the title track "Roughneck." This track is an instant breaks classic getting plays from DJ Icey and making his top five for February. This is not a song for the fainthearted. It is a pumping melody of hard bass, funky synth loops and a killer break down. The vocals are reminiscent of a Drum & Bass MC doing the damn thing on the mic. Next up is the downtempo track "How Long." This track has the feel of Portishead, but with a dark Sharaz twist. This song is much darker than is usually associated with Sharaz, but it is a pleasant surprise. The smooth, tantalizing vocal is surrounded by some filtered bass loops and echoing effects that are really out of this world. It's a little harder than most downtempo tracks, but it suits Sharaz and 941 perfectly. Returning to the funky sound is the song "Another Day," a very intriguing track. The vocals sound as if they have been pulled from a trance song, but retain their Florida funkiness.
The string solo gives off the feel of floating before ripping you back down to the dance floor. It is a delectable blend of soft and hard.
Rounding out the single, Sharaz shows off his "9mm." On this track he brings it back to the classic funky breaks sound. It includes a massive build up with high-pitched vocals and a scary organ sound. If this one doesn't get your feet movin', you're dead. It closes out the EP very nicely, and leaves positive thoughts floating throughout your head. One of the most influential Florida breaks artist and labels has defiantly left his mark once again on this new release. So if you don't know, now you know. Go get yourself some 941.
