NICOLA CRUZ Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Ecuadorian maestro Nicolas Cruz is back on Rhythm Seciton to follow up his last EP Subtropique which proved a big hit. "I'm always trying to re-interpret this Afro-Caribbean feeling, and trying to figure out how I could humanize this through the machines," he says of his approach and it certain is the case here. He mixes up some worlds rhythms with twitchy techno drums and electronic synths to make for something totally new on all of the tracks. The heavy, skipping kicks of 'Residual Heat' is a real favourite while 'Self Oscillation' is a catering percussive jam to pack the floor. Another great outing.

Review: Bradley Zero's ever hard to pin down but always excellent Rhythm Section International comes through with some deep house excellence here. Far from standard sounds, though, these tunes are infused with all manner of mystic referees. 'Individuality Riddim' is tinny and percussive, empty yet compelling. 'Subtropique' pairs aquatic sound design with shimmering rhythms that seem to owe a debt to djembe rhythms while 'What Now' is astral house with cosmic vibes to spare. There are also two darker, more percussive tunes to close out this fantastically expressive and adventurous EP.

Review: Nicola Cruz returns with another spellbinding fusion of Afro Brazilian charm in the form of "Folha De Jurema". With the dusky dulcets of Arteria FM, the dusty strums of Spaniol and sultry plucks of Salvador Arguaya, Cruz commands a decorated cast as they explore a mystical new vision of a traditional Brazilian folk standard. The remixes are just as warm and alluring as Xique Xique adds a little steel string tension, Crussen maps out a chugging Scandinavian odyssey and Rio's Carrot Green brings us back home to the motherland with a poignant, hazy flutter of house soul. Stunning.

Review: The ongoing Fabric presents series looks to Nicola Cruz for this fresh new instalment. It is one that has a focus on artists from South America and as such is rich in stringy house minimalism, booty-shaking drum patterns and Latin flair. Nicola Cruz's own 'System Mass' is a particularly fresh fusion of electro rhythms and final techno sound designs over lurching bass, and the experimentalism continues through innovative techno cuts from Anderson, Machina and Baseck & Pilo. This is one of the freshest Fabric offerings in a while.