• Search
• Subscribe

Embarking on a hiatus from his own Minimise imprint, Irish man Donnacha Costello's latest effort sees the light of day here via Steve Bug's ever dependable, Berlin based Poker Flat. This vinyl version of Costello's latest LP, entitled 'Before We Say Goodbye', offers four cuts of contrasting sound, all with wide appeal.

Opening track 'Leaving Berlin' is an emotive, drama filled, deep house track with rising synths which is sure to move many a dance floor. As melodic and harmonious as it is dance floor orientated, 'Leaving Berlin' is a fitting tribute to a city Costello has embraced as well as been embraced by.

This is followed by 'No One is Watching', whereby warm, textured synths bubble alongside intricate micro phrases which pave the way for a subtly jazz tinged, drum heavy and always exciting ride. The opening half of track displays an obvious nod to the Detroit techno which helped shape Costello's own musical sound and act as a perfect anecdote to the aforementioned jazzy conclusion.

'Roll it Out' offers the most obvious indication that Costello is as adept at producing warm tech house as he is full on techno. The heavy baseline is soon counteracted by some lush, almost childish sounding, acid-tinged melodies. Thic is techno with a much needed sense of humour, and further proof that Costello is as skilled at combining an array of elements in to each production as he is at weaving his much heralded live sets.

A similar synth arrangement is evident in 'Stretching Time', whereby a similar acid influenced base line which wrecked havoc in 'Roll it Out' is apparent. That however, is where the comparisons come to a halt. With echoes of 808 State's classic house anthem 'Pacific State', Strecthing Time' is a suitable title for a track with a degree of late 80's influence that still sounds contemporary today. A nostalgic sound with trippy appeal, it's a fitting finale to what is arguably Costello's best work since 2007's 'Black Bag Job.' Here's hoping the rest of the LP is every bit as good

Artist: Donnacha Costello Title: Before We Say Goodbye EP Label: Pokerflat-Recordings Tracklist Leaving Berlin No-one is watching Roll it out Stretching time www.pokerflat-recordings.com www.myspace.com/donnachacostello Our Rating: 7/10