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Emerson Todd is primarily an Aussie selector (now based in London) who started producing to get gigs. And it shows. Whilst his Electric mix for Balance last year show him to be a DJ who can craft his own mood, this EP release is an amalgam of various tried and tested sounds from a middle of the road tech house template, and is one which is unlikely to have anyone clamouring to book him any time soon.

‘Eureka' is a metallic, piston-pumping samey-samey romp through turgid beats and murky samples which do nothing to add character or charm to a beat which badly needs it: think trainers and tin foil going round and round in a washing machine and you'd be in the right ball park.

‘Counter Point' is a slightly more dynamic cut which sits iciness up top above a ducking and diving bassline. Indecipherable male and child vocals add a little intrigue as they fall in and out of ear shot whilst a hidden, inquisitive melody drags you into Todd's world that little bit further.

Closing cut ‘Vertigo' again reverts to the tinny, metalized aesthetics and percussive intricacies of the first track and lacks any thing that will likely make you take note. The problem is that or nothing is dramatic enough; nothing is bold enough.

Each of the tracks on offer is a composite of this and that which, together, pass by like unassuming, un-arresting clouds in a sky full of them.

Given previous strong singles for Cocoon and Dirtybird, it's a shame that ‘Fools Gold' is such an apt title for this release.

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Artist: Emerson Todd Title: Fools Gold Ep Label: Upon You Tracklist Eureka feat. Mey Counter Point feat. Mey (Floor Mix) Vertigo www.uponyou-records.de www.myspace.com/emersontodd Our Rating: 5/10