Imagine a club known only to a select segment of society. So underground that even the most educated clubber doesn't know about it. Its entrance down a deep alley in a shady neighborhood of the big city. And inside, sweat-drenched dancers unleashing their frustrations onto the dancefloor.
AUDIOTOUR would be their soundtrack.
Chris Fortier started Fade Records nearly ten years ago and this CD is a testament to their growing sucsess. It's underground at its finest, ladies and gentlemen; free from the trappings of tempo and BPM, free from the urge to include at least three Top 40 dance cuts, and, most importantly, free from being pigeonholed into a specific genre. Yes, it's house, but it's also much more than that.
Kicking things off nicely is a vocal by Motive titled "ABE;" a rock-solid vocal with a breakbeat twist. That gets followed up with a more laid-back, introductory breakbeat track by Descent before we launch into the first "house" track. What I like about this is the fact that he doesn't just stick to cookie-cutter, four-on-the-floor house songs. House is meant to be all about what feels right, not about being religiously-dedicated to any specific sub-genre. While the compilation definatly has a vibe to it, it's not stuck in one rut. In Alley Qat's "TALK TO ME GOOSE," he even throws in some down-tempo, soulful R&B. (And by R&B I don't mean Usher, folks!)
If you're looking for anthems, look elsewhere. If you're looking for big room vocals, think again. If you're in the mood for mainstream dance, step to the side. BUT, if you're in need of some high energy, yet underground cuts... you've found it. Pick this one up, you'll be pleasantly suprised.
