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DJ Sneak Buggin' da Beats (Moonshine/Cargo)
The concept of duelling marimbas may seem a fast track to kitsch, but Virtual Max's Daniel Pancaldi and Patrice Charbonneau bypass the lounge by constructing an otherworldly sound that mallet-wielding jazzbos of the '60s only hinted at. The instruments' lush tones drift like lazy clouds ("Death of Innocence") and skitter like industrious insects ("The Hunted"). Nods to prog rock, and King Crimson lifts can be pardoned given the unpretentious atmosphere. Timeless, wordless bedtime stories for grown-ups. 9/10 (Rupert Bottenberg) Genf Import/Export (Compost/Cargo) I've no idea who these funky Germans are, but if they were from Chicago they'd be hailed as the hare to Tortoise--and instrumentalists who put some party into post-rock crock. Proving that Krautrock isn't just something from history books, Genf go into Can's studio with the rock format and electronic accoutrements to make wildly textured disko-scapes--call a song "Al Green," then make like early '70s Miles.10/10 (Chris Yurkiw) Adriana Evans Self-titled (BMG)
Ms. Evans rides the wave of urban artists flowing into the mainstream via lyrical ingenuity and distinct song construction. Her sweet-strong vocal delivery visits early '70s soul, especially on the vintage-sounding "Looking For Your Love," while tracks like "Seein' Is Believing" offer jazzy contemporary sounds. "Hey Brother" brings social commentary to a promising debut. 7.5/10 (Gerard Dee)
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It's facile to write that a house compilation is good because it sounds like a party, but let me be easy here. DJ Sneak's a notorious partier and knows what his feet like. That's why this comp is standout: Sneak, a heavy purveyor of Chicago's looped sound of '95, loves simple tracks. So there are no drama drums or sex-o-rama on Buggin'..., just a bumping line of samply 4/4 instrumentals. Classics like Kerri Chandler's "It's You" and two fly tracks by Torontonians Mario J/Kenny Glasgow make a truly superior mix for three-drink boogie. 8.5/10 (Mireille Silcott)
Virtual Max Demeter (CDP Productions)