Rising up to the consistently high standard of Glasgow Underground releases, Powder Productions surpass the challenge with this lush and varied exploration of deep house.
Their smooth and classy technique glides alongside a tough, and sometimes dirty edge, always holding on to a funky groove. Many different styles have gone into the pot, and the results are rather stunning.
The music here is always very deep, and works best when there's a well-balanced sense of the rough and the smooth. 'Hot Stuff' is a bubbling brew of percussive funk, with the drums complimented by a hypnotic keyboard line.
The gorgeous rolling beats on 'Universal People' rush up in waves to be met by a wall of mesmerising keyboards. The effect is quite simply breathtaking. In contrast, the dark, moody, driving beats of 'Musica' or 'Skyline' are simple and effective, but perhaps a bit uninspiring.
There's a bit of a Latin theme going on here as well, especially apparent on the sun-drenched 'Jungle Eye'. A lovely Flamenco guitar snakes its way through the salsa rhythms, and collides with an explosion of percussion and carnival whistles. 'Juana Funk' is a happy fusion of jazz and Latin house, all led by a freestyle flute.
The best is saved for last, however, in the form of the title track. 'Cuban Fire' is a fantastic jazzy house affair. The balance here is absolutely right - a chunky four four hitches up with a funky guitar and bright, lilting keyboards. It's perfect for those long, hot, lazy days ahead. Balaeric, in the purest sense of the word.
by Mimi Eclectic Electric