- Following the recent Terrance McDonald release, Aroy Dee's sub-label keeps its focus on Chicago, albeit with a contemporary flavour. Tadd Mullinix/Dabrye/James T. Cotton and D'Marc Cantu have released a string of acid-heavy tracks for Nation, Creme and Spectral under the 2AM/FM guise and "Desolate Cities" follows this approach as tweaky, freaky 303 frequencies are let loose over dank, lo-fi drum builds. What sets it apart from the deluge of Chicago-inspired releases of late are the vocals. Like their own "Electronic Justice," an ominous male vocal imbues "Cities" with a moody feeling. Its tale of urban decay is a rare example of house music used as a platform for social commentary and hopefully it'll have the same resonance as the anti-cocaine standard, "Your Only Friend."
If "Cities" represents a dark view of the world, then "Give This World" offers the opinion that hope is never lost. A departure from the stripped back sound that often prevails on 2AM/FM releases, it focuses on Chicago's deeper sounds. Powered by a churning "Washing Machine" bassline, it unfolds to the sound of eerie strings and breezy synths that eventually give way to delicate melodic chimes.
Lista de títulosA Desolate Cities
AA Give This World