>> Recloose
bio: With the underground funk of latest masterpiece ?Dust? causing a commotion amongst those that know upon its release last month, Matthew Chicoine aka Recloose is now ready to unleash his first album for Peacefrog, ?Hiatus On The Horizon?. As uncategorisable and genre-bending as one might expect from a man who had his first break with techno pioneer Carl Craig and now resides in New Zealand working with some of the countries finest musicians (see Joe Dukie?s gorgeous vocals on the aforementioned ?Dust?), this album represents a more coherent, focussed and musical side of the ?til now cult musician.
Previous releases on Craig?s respected Planet E label marked Recloose out as a leading light of the Detroit scene, and since then trading remixes with the likes of Matthew Herbert and Jazzanova has enhanced his reputation for pushing the techno template to the full. The album is peppered with the live instruments that proved vital in his musical make up having studied them, performed them in some esoteric ensembles, and latterly played a key part in the Innerzone Orchestra.
Already imbued with a certain sonic liberalism, Recloose?s trip to Wellington, New Zealand in 2000 proved a key moment ? falling in live with the people and the country and leading to his permanent relocation there. This liberation from the insular Detroit scene brought about collaborations that would have previously not seemed possible, artistically as well as literally, the fruits of which are most immediately obvious on the magic-coated ?Dust?, but also the loping beauty of opener ?Landed? featuring vocalist?s Justin Chapman and Genevieve Marentette.
Elsewhere, some of Wellington?s most established and rising musicians rub shoulders, adding their weight to tracks like the summer soul anthem ?Still Beyond Me? and the bossa-skank of ?Mana?s Bounce?. ?Turkish Delight? however perhaps best showcases the power that can come from the blend of influences with its well-versed sampledelia, squelching bass and intricately layered instrumentation.
Throughout the album the breadth of influences, the musicianship and the genuine songcraft all shine through and form one of the most complete and diverse albums of recent times. Unashamedly influenced by his beautiful new surroundings, when you have a soulful streak as deep as Recloose?s you just have to jump in with both feet. The sound of the summer 2005.
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