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Joel Armstrong - Vancity EP (Dot Dot Records)
For those of us who like funk, melody, and punchy beats in our dance music, Joel Armstrong has been a welcome addition to the community and industry over the past several years. His production techniques are outstanding and his energy is undeniable.

For the third release on his own Dot Dot Records, Mr. Armstrong goes pretty deep into the techno area of things, frequently eschewing hooks and cerebral chord progressions for tough hats and crunchy basslines.

"Vancity Magic" has a fun charm with some very cool effects that seem to slow the record down and speed it up again. It's trippy and spacey, as are the filtered pads that mingle throughout the piece. The bassline seems to be the focus of the track and it comes to the forefront early but doesn't progress much further after that, opting to keep the steady groove established at the start.

Throughout "Vancity Magic" one notices a distinct absence of hooks and the theme continues on "Go Go Go," which favors a hodgepodge of techy sounds and bleepy synths set to a heavily shuffled, heavily compressed, unrelenting 4/4 beat. Hints of inspiration from Trentemoller emerge without the variation and surprises.

There is a certain claustrophobic dryness that is thankfully answered by the choice cut from the release, "Fireplace." Joel brings back his signature warm, pulsating bassline, adds a touch of early 90's influence with bouncing analog-esque synths, and blends it with a reasonable amount of pretty reverbed pads. Served over a responsibly shuffled drum bed, "Fireplace" should be a favorite with DJs and fans from many musical backgrounds.

The Vancity EP seems to flirt with several genres, never ultimately landing on any of them. After several listens, yearning for a hook, searching for a place to rest my ears, a single question remains: are these songs due for vocals?

With Joel's true to form beautiful production, good singers could take this release to extraordinary heights. At the moment it's keeping its feet on the ground and reaching for the stars.

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Nikko.Z (Greece)
(www.danceradio.gr)

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