Phonophobia

Phonophobia is an album of variety and charm; electronic but with strong elements of jazz and funk throughout; odd but pleasantly enjoyable and fun. From the eerie low-slungness of Delight featuring the sultry, seductive vocals of Putokazi, to the oddball electronic pop and distinctive, salient voice of guest vocalist Mina Spiler on Electronic Memory, through to the jazzy, breezy breakbeat of The Ring, Phonophobia is full of surprises and quirks.

Phonophobia demonstrates the successful fusion of live music with electronic production that The rotors are championing, and it has been lovingly put together by ingenious musicians at the top of their game. A quirky and exceptional album, it's a delight to listen to. With output as good as this, these darlings of Slovenia should soon be receiving some international recognition.

Some albums take a few listens to get into, while others instantly make their mark. Sometimes certain experiences help to enhance the pleasure. Having never heard The rotors before, I decided to turn down the lights and take my place on the sofa as I put this CD on the stereo, this proved to be a good decision as the first notes of smooth bass filtered out of the speakers.

.."Hailing from Slovenia, this six piece of DJs and producers have put together a sublime album ranging from deep grooving house through to 70s inspired disco. Tracks like openers 'Wet Dream' and 'Tu Moi' show the deeper, sultry side of the band while the final tracks, 'Rotos 127' and 'Speedway' offer a complete contrast of funk fuelled disco. Title track 'Phonophobia' and 'Vertigo Dance' compliment the labels usual deep tech house output and gain comment from the line-up of DJs waiting to add their praise for this long player. But it's with the mid-tempo tracks like 'Electronic Memory' and the simply fabulous 'Delight' with their subtle 80s pop influences that will ensure the band cross over to chart success.

Fusing together live elements alongside the sequencers and the great vocal talents of Putozaki and Mina Spiler, I can imagine that The rotors would be a great deal of fun in a live format.

This is a collection of electronic goodies that has certainly made it's mark!

Music-news.com 5/5