Evan Evans – Instruments Of Rapture Part Seven Review

Since launching in 2008, Scotland’s Instruments Of Rapture imprint has become a ‘go-to’ label for those who like their grooves chunky and discofied. In the space of six must-buy releases, they’ve showcased all manner of sneaky, sample-heavy disco/house fusions, from the slo-mo bump of The Revenge and Sixth Borough Project to the midtempo exploits of Craig Bratley and sparkling sounds of Ilija Rudman. Impressively, there’s little in the way of filler, just killer grooves and endless, bass-heavy disco wig-outs.

For release number seven, the Instruments of Rapture crew have recruited newcomer Evan Evans for a spot of live bass-wielding Balearic disco bounce. From the moment the skankin’ rhythm kicks in – all clipped guitars, bouncing beats and subtle stabs – you’ll be hooked. When the mother of all old skool piano lines kicks in two minutes later, you’ll be thrusting your arms skywards faster than Didier Drogba in the penalty area. By the time ‘Repetition’ winds down with some sneaky organ fills and sun-soaked Balearic synths, you’ll be spent. It’s that kind of jam.

There’s a pair of excellent remixes on the flip, too, with Art Of Tones and John Daly taking their chance to twist the original into groovesome new shapes. The latter ups the Balearic factor on a deep, string-laden rework, while Art Of Tones abandons the piano in favour of some simple, stripped-down sunniness. If disco-flecked house is your thing, the whole package is essential.

Matt Anniss.