ANTIX. CAVALIER. Iboga Records Out May 2010
"Cavalier" the much anticipated new Antix album is out in May. Its the fourth album from Antix on Iboga Records (Denmark). Comprising 9 originals accompanied by 10 remixes. The album is accredited with being both for the dance floor and for the pure pleasure of listening. "Cavalier" is choreographed in a mixed format designed to evoke and enhance the Antix vibe whilst taking the listener on a journey. This Antix trademark is very coherent in all their productions, crispy rhythmic hooks, minor harmonies, melancholic drifting pads and gentle swishes and fizzes. With the first listen you feel as though you are in very good hands.
"We have spent the longest time in the production on "Cavalier" compared to our previous albums, we wanted it to be something special, a new chapter in our lives. We realise with the introduction of digital downloads most people will be able to purchase the tracks as singles, so we crafted the CD as one continuous edit, so the listeners have something that they can take away with them on a holiday or on a long car journey".
The album Ep's "Box of Birds", "The Hoard" and "Manta" have already set the bench mark of what is in store getting praise and support from the likes of Dave Seaman, Nick Warren, King Unique, John Digweed, Stephan Bodzin, Paul Oakenfield, Jerome Ism-Ae and Laurent Garnier to name a few.
“The Hoard” (Album rendition) from the get go your are locked in a washed out and distorted symphonic intro with this very special edit. Its a clubbed up version of the original mix (which was championed by John Digweed on his Transitions show) with its subterranean bass line, chugging chords - a perfect intro into this new Antix long player.
"Manta" swoops and soars as the title suggests into the album's namesake "Cavalier".
"Cavalier" gallops its way to a triumphant finale, a definitive stand up moment.
"Under the Shade" the album's most melodically infectious number with its rock chords, retro drums and pop structure. This track is seductively charming and an instant favorite. From here we encroach on what is new territory for Antix with "Lost & Found", in this case Indie Dance which shows their diversity and skill to adapt their sound to different genres. It has a very Depeche Mode/Unkle vibe to it. A fascinating composition, evolving constantly under lush vocals and a catchy arpeggiated hook securing a very solid yet ingenious dance floor approach.
"Out of Sorts" keeps with the Antix ethos of a hypnotic shuffling rhythm, it relies on a taut robotic funk and pulsing bottom end with pitched down vocal.
"Let the Right One In" on the other hand has an organic slower energy with its clever use of affectless vocal samples taking you on a kind cruise through the country side with a more minimal but very hypnotic approach.
"Box of Birds" not a lot more can be said about this stella release. It was the first installment of the 3 Ep's and will definitely ruffle your feathers. With its haunting pads, up front slap bass, and tight analogue riff giving you a glimpse of life from above the clouds.
"Miro" the album's final track is more like an outro reminiscent of a classic 'Chain Reaction' cut from the mid nineties. It slowly builds to a wondrous crescendo, leaving you gently back at your door step with the sounds of waves crashing on the shore.
TRACK LIST / / Antix. Cavalier
The Hoard (Album rendition)
Manta
Cavalier
Under the Shade
Lost & Found / Feat. Mark Ridout
Out of Sorts
Let the right one in
Box of Birds
Miro
Cavalier
Remixed
Hernan Catteneo
Erphun
Djuma Soundsystem
Continuum
Jamie Stevens
Opiuo
Tim Richards
Joel Armstrong
Frank Beckers
Dousk
