Ian Pooley - In Other Words

One of the godfathers of deep sensual electronic house and techno music drops an incredible album on Ministry Of Sound and it's an education. Old skool laid back grooves, acid licks and funky latin rhythms abound over 14 original tracks. Detroit and Chicago influences a-plenty. One for DJ's and for the lounge.

Ian Pooley’s album ‘In Other Words’ examines the changing forces of techno and house but clearly manifests his own voice among all the diverse tongues of electronic music. A journey of songs cutting through a complex soundscape – covering ground from the compelling summer hymn „Piha“ to NuDisco bomb „Heaven“. All in all, the 14 tracks range between the atmospheric, deep and exuberant. His „Intro“ as well as his „Blue Interlude“ serve as an oasis within a sparkling masterpiece. The true beginning marks “5 a.m.”, a hymn where Brazilian-style percussions are getting more and more unleashed, embedded by ever-changing soundscapes. „It´s You“ draws its power from Pooley’s versatile beats together with smooth vocals and jazzy blue notes. amazing in its elegance and airiness.

Guest appearances on ‘In Other Words’ are as programmtic as frugal. The first calling summons up Chicago house veteran Robert Owens who (in best Fingers Inc tradition) turns „Learn“ into a lascivious electro chanson. Then there is Tim Fuller who adds his spheric falsetto to „What I got“. And of course, there is Ulf Kleiner aka Perry Colo (a long-standing companion of Ian Pooley) who delivers some wicked organ sounds. Towards the album’s end, the tracks once again take on a funky vibe with a hunch for powerful samba sounds. The rhythmically loaded „Closer“ ties perfectly up to the preceding offerings and presents itself as the climax of the album.

‘In Other Words’ proves how adept and adaptable a musician Ian Pooley is. He manages to sound as deep as progressive, as atmospheric as compelling. The album continues his legacy but also refreshes your mind. A tight and convincing effort.