
One + One - James Zabiela & Nic Fanciulli
Submitted by James Broadhurst 13/7/2007
Nic Fanciulli and James Zabiela are among the most recognisable names in the dance music industry and this dynamic duo have combined their talents and visions to bring you their latest collection of beats and sound-scapes.
Both artists have a list of achievements to long to list and both have secured residencies in some of the biggest clubs in the hottest clubbing destinations around the world including Ibiza's Space and London's Fabric.
With their various achievements and reputations as world-class DJs and producers with an ear for the unique, futuristic and the distinctively different; Zabiela and Fanciulli have come together to form One Plus One.
One Plus One's debut compilation has been causing quite a stir in Zabiela's homeland as the compilation was recently nominated in DJ Mag's Best British Compilation category while Zabiela was nominated in the Best British DJ category.
This compilation provides a detailed and comprehensive snapshot of the sort of music both artists are playing at this point in time and if you were fortunate enough to witness One Plus One's performance at the latest Ministry of Sound Tour, chances are you have already heard a few of the tracks from the album.
This compilation delivers on so many levels. Each and every track has been selected carefully and meticulously placed to assist in the creation of a unique, deep and down-right groovy vibe that is present throughout the entire compilation.
One Plus One have used this compilation as an opportunity to show off their latest productions, collaboration and remix projects. The results are intuitive and intriguing.
One Plus One's own productions may not stand out like some of the other tracks on the album, but it shows that they are far more than DJs who make music.
The first disc may not appeal immediately to those who have a taste for heavy bass driven beats, as the start of the compilation reflects the diverse tastes and production abilities of Fanciulli and Zabiela as they delve into some tech-flavoured minimalistic beats that bleep and squelch over dark and moody pads in a truly addictive style.
The aforementioned lovers of bass heavy electronic music will not be disappointed if they persevere as the compilation contains a number of tracks that are more than capable of shaking a speaker box or two.
Some of the highlights on the first disc of the compilation would have to be Carl Finlow's ear catching 'Floating Point' as it grinds its way onto the compilation with a filthy and eerie vibe while Cobblestone Jazz's 'Dump Truck' is an irresistible track that accurately reflects One Plus One's taste for music that offers something a little bit different.
Some may find the highs and lows of this compilation album difficult to enjoy, but perseverance will reward those who give the compilation the time it needs to work its magic.
The second disc isn't just more of the same as it offers a similar, but different, collection of complex atmospheres and moods to create another unique and distinctive listening experience.
The second disc defenietlely feels like the more 'dancefloor friendly' disc of the two and it doesn't take as long before the listener is exposed to music with plenty of attitude and energy.
A perfect example would have to be Zabiela's mashed up version of 'Erotic Discourse' and Alcatraz's 'Give Me Luv.' A track that will have heads turning for all the right reasons.
There are plenty of other tracks that deserve a mention, but I'll leave you to find out which ones they are.
The mixing on this compilation is quite sensational. Tracks are seamlessly blended, mixed and extracted in an interesting and effective manner and One Plus One's 'flawless' mixing does nothing but enhance the overall appeal of the compilation.
This is a compilation that will appeal to many of those who are already familiar with the musical exploits of Zabiela and Fanciulli as individual artists. Their collaboration is sure to yield many exciting projects in the future and one gets the feeling this is just the beginning.
This isn't a must have compilation, but it does represent an exciting alternative and a fresh approach to the futuristic sounds and styles on offer from the varying genres of electronica.
Well worth a listen.
Rating: 7/10
For comments on this review go to: http://www.teknoscape.com.au/forums/showthread.php?p=1407944
Tracklist: Disc: 1 1. One+One - Rover 2. Deep Dish - Stay Gold 3. Funk D'Void - To Ya Waistline 4. Crazy Penis - The Way We Swing 5. Rockers Hi-Fi - Push Push 6. Compuphonic - Analog Sparkles 7. Di_Indicator - Nothing Like You 8. Carl Finlow - Floating Point 9. Cobblestone Jazz - Dump Truck 10. Simon Baker - Plastik See all 14 tracks on this disc Disc: 2 1. Shane Berry - SimonSis1 2. The Fix - Being Stoopid 3. Alcatraz - Giv Me Luv 4. Paul Woolford Presents Bobby Peru - Erotic Discourse 5. Nic Fanciulli - Cat Out Of The Bag 6. Phil Kieran - Pinhole of Light 7. Workidz - Work It 8. Hi-Fi Bugs - Don't Die, Don't Kill Anyone 9. Electroliners - Ghetto Train 10. R3volve- Netsplit
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