Ultra Nate's impending return to UK chart action (if she's lucky) provides a timely reminder of just how much her chosen genre, New York's own soulful Garage sound, has changed since the diva's late 90's hit 'Free' emerged.
Like 'Free', 'Desire' has been licensed from NY's legendary Strictly Rhythm label by AM:PM and shows how far the once-mighty label has fallen. Ultra Nate's best-known releases have all had heavyweight production from the likes of Mood II Swing and the Basement Boys, making them, at the least, quality dance grooves and, at their best, deep yet accessible blueprints for the creative potential of this music.
This, unfortunately, fails to live up to such standards, only Joey Negro's Z Club mix suggesting the depth and attention to detail that might be expected. Instead, the Radio Edit offers a high octane party-by-numbers knocked off with only a brief consideration of any musical quality beyond chart appeal and involuntary prime time responses.
Fortunately, Ultra Nate's forthcoming album promises production work from 4 Hero, Mood II Swing, Attica Blues, Gerry DeVeaux of Angie Stone fame and others. So we can but hopeā¦
