Various – International Feel review

Whilst a question mark remains over International Feel’s Uruguayan credentials, there can be no dispute that the label has enjoyed a fine year.  Since their arrival on the scene with DJ Harvey releasing actual new music in the autumn of 2009, International Feel has carved a niche within the realm of contemporary discoteria for uniquely atmospheric music imbued with a real energy. Releases from Coyote, Rocha, Hungry Ghost and the aforementioned Harvey’s Locussolus project have been received in glowing terms by cryptic cosmic taste makers 20 Jazz Funk Greats, respected broadcasters like Tim Sweeney and DJing deities such as Erol Alkan.

This deluxe package compilation sourced from the Japanese market is a near perfect way to sign off 2010, collating a selection of the most prized tracks from the vinyl releases to date, generously padded out with a smattering of unreleased aural glee. The opening piano tones of Maxxi & Zeus’ “The Struggle” ease you in gently, and are further sedated by “Little Boots”, the syrupy prog rock meets slo mo chug of Harvey’s Locussolus. It’s the first exclusive track, After The Deluge’s remix of “Don’t Eat The Apricots” by Hungry Ghost, which lifts you out of the sensory slumber, thanks to the relentless pulsing disco groove, augmented by warm bass washes and plenty of dubby FX. The exclusive version of Rocha’s “Fingers Of Sand” that follows retains your interest with a bewitching combination of ethereal keys and a bubbling sense of acidic menace. Equally impressive is Coyote’s expansive and gently heated rework of International Peoples Gang’s “Second” which drowns the melody in copious amounts of dubbed frequencies.

However it is Thomas Bullock’s superlative reworking of Rocha which leaves the most lasting impression. The Welcome Stranger Creation Dub of “Feel The Love” begins with an air of tranquil fragility before gradually building towards an increasing storm of fizzing electronic drama. Bullock seemingly does his best work as Welcome Stranger and this is a stunning example.

Tony Poland