Luciano holds legendary status in the world of electronic music, he's even started a trend for "techno 'taches" among twenty-something 4/4 aficionados. He's famed for his breathtaking and original DJ sets; last year at Fabrics 9th Birthday he blew me and rest of room 1 away, shaking the club to it's very foundations, keeping the place rammed long into Sunday afternoon. However his latest offering moves in a different direction, favouring a far more introspective sound.
With his latest release, 'Tribute to the Sun', Luciano has adopted a studio album format (something he hasn't done since 'Blind Behaviour' in 2004) with great proficiency. When I first heard about this album I worried that it might be another case of the successful DJ 'expressing themselves' with a new format or style that is unsuited to them. However on hearing the album most of my worries swiftly disappeared.
It must be noted that this album is by no means a collection of mid-set stormers and it is not meant to be. It's an album in the truest sense of the word; "something to be listened to from start to finish". The focus is definitely away from the dance floor with mellow motifs and cerebral sounds but the club is not forgotten. Refined (and according to the release description 'crowd tested') grooves run throughout giving a figurative nod to the dance floor.
I think that with his album Luciano has gone some way to reinforcing his status as one of the worlds leading DJ's illustrating a fair amount of musical depth. Combining the tougher sound of tracks like 'Oenologue', the intricate melodies of 'Hang for Bruno' & 'Celestial' and the exciting rhythmic grooves of 'Africa Sweat' & 'Los Ninos de Fuera' he produces some engaging ideas however we would perhaps be looking for a little more innovation. Aside from the slightly cheesy artwork there aren't many faults here but considering the calibre and status of the artist, the album is not as groundbreaking as it might be.
Sources: www.cadenza.com
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