An EP in name, Life And Death's co-founder Manfredi Romano's release as DJ Tennis is more of a mini album in tone. Naturally there is a certain expectancy that goes hand in hand with someone who rubs shoulders with Tale Of Us and Thugfucker, that of deep electronics heavy on emotion, but there is also a meaningful concept to the release: that Romano manages to retain a sense of distanced tranquility while spiraling through dizzying life of the jet set DJ businessman.
Comprising six tracks crafted in a variety of cities around the world and featuring a remix from Michigan's North Lake, there is a remarkable thread of consistency that runs through Local. Opener Lovechild, featuring The Rapture's Luke Jenner, is reminiscent of Thom Yorke's solo work, except Jenner's vocals adding a sense of longing rather than the tortured tones of the Radiohead front man. The bar is set from this point onwards, one of drifting and overcast moods.
We hit the expected deep house format through Ah! Isobel and Floating Boy (Self Portrait), these bookending a stand out moment in Anatomy, a track which sounds like a highly energised take on Pantha Du Prince's frost covered landscapes. You are then taken down a considerable amount of happiness notches with the droning and dour downtempo You Closed My Eyes, this then leading into Williamsburg's sprightly electro closer, something that provides a much needed lift of the chin and wipe of the eyes.
Tagged onto the end, North Lake's touch on Anatomy, one that straightens it into the magic 120bpm territories, doesn't just make up the numbers. While it doesn't provide the natural closing strain that Williamsburg does, and does with aplomb, it keeps with the wistful house mood of Romano's originals, meaning that it compliments as a natural full stop rather than surfacing as a jarring exclamation mark. Luscious and enveloping, Local is a perfect reality deflector for the morning commute, provided in a format that lends itself for easy digestion and never outstaying its welcome.
| Artist: DJ Tennis Title: Local EP Label: Life and Death Tracklist Love Child (featuring Luke Jenner)Ah! IsobelAnatomyFloating Boy (Self Portrait)You Closed My EyesWilliamsburgAnatomy (North Lake Remix) Our rating: 8/10 |  |
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