Paper Tigers

This is juicy, past-future electro with r&b undertones at it's best. Finnish artist Vladislav Delay, a.k.a. Luomo, stays true to his sophisticated textual de-constructive style and production values while creating an extremely warm, saturated and punchy, circa 1980's demo-cassette-tape sound. The tone-setting female cooing vocal cuts and r&b-ish bassy grooves stay familiar, "pleasant" and simple enough to show they're deliberate; floating in timeless space that should provide high replay value. Vladislav's Intelligent-Dance-Music sensibilities make sure Paper Tigers never steps into jazzy or soft-porn-soundtrack. "The Tease Is Over" is the only track that provides full vocal verses. The way "Dirt Me" effortlessly mangles break-beat scratches over sci-fi soundtrack grooves, is truly sublime. "Wana Tell" might be the epitome 80's production nod, and delivers a satisfying, almost-mid-tempo-dancable jam. "Good to Be With" kicks out an evolving, 129 BPM dance floor sex-it-up with a memorable, subtle hook. Small gathering or solo, a chilled drink, low lighting and candles will mix well with Luomo's deep and dubby Paper Tigers. The tracks show consistency, and stay back enough to allow conversation while still cutting through and delivering an edgy, atmospheric soundscape.

Easy high-class beats under some trash vocals and questionable effects. There's potential, but this doesn't shine.