Time out CD review with Patience

DJ Technicks - The First Beat

HE OPENS the set with a bang on this album, promising you more fun. But he fails to keep up the momentum.

From then the quality of the songs moves like sound waves.

But a quick listen suggests that he is a promising DJ who has passion for house music.

His album l could do well in the club environment.

His fresh sound and innovative mixes will set him apart from other DJs as he grows musically.

In this offering Technicks shows the imagination required to produce music well above the average standard.

There are those few dance rhythm that can either be danced to or simply listened to.

With time, Technicks will be a star of the industry.

It is not a great house album but it could make you sweat on the dance floor.

Zeero Degrees - Ithonga Lam

THIS is one of those groups that strongly believe kwaito still has a chance.

Though the album has kwaito lyrics, the instrumentation leans towards house and Afro-pop.

It's an album that will get a party going. With house and hip-hop and Durban kwatio ruling the dance floor, albums such as this might struggle to stand out in the market.

What I liked about it most, though, is its educative element. Though kwaito is about getting young people to shake it off, it can also be a relevant vehicle to raise awareness among the youth.

And what more effective medium than through the music they all listen to and love.

On this album the songs are about issues such as keeping the tradition of greeting alive, dropping jealousy in relationships and friendships, and most of all about just having a good time.

QNESS - On Cue Volume 2

THIS is a thrilling house compilation.

With tracks such as Time, the album is a gem. It has songs to suit your every mood. Boasting an eclectic feel, it will thrill die-hard house fans.

I was impressed about the fact that it opens with a remix of Simphiwe Dana's famous song Zandisile.

The mix and arrangement in the opening track reflects maturity and savvy that gives the album a broad appeal. He proceeds to Nomalungelo Dladla's track Imiyalo, another great track in the album.

Music fans will enjoy the nostalgic moments, while others will just want to envelop themselves in the music.

Fusing varying sounds to his house beats, while creating music that appeals to club, lounge or deep house people, he's hot and you are bound to love his latest masterpiece.

LISTENING to Bakhe Dlamini's album I am Healed, one could be fooled into thinking it is American singer Kirk Franklin.

I am Healed has a fresh, contemporary sound fused with a South African traditional gospel feel.

Those who enjoy contemporary gospel will be fascinated by the sophisticated and captivating album.

Dlamini is blessed with a beautiful voice, passion and a firm belief in the message in his music. His songs are about life's experiences. The melodies are solid and the tunes enticing enough to grow steadily on you.

If you are a fan of Joyous Celebration, then you will find Dlamini's album fulfilling.

The production of the album is impressive and the lyrics carry a strong spiritual message.

What is also encouraging is that Dlamini does not try to emulate others but remains true to his sound.

Flavour - Uplifted

AMPLIFIED provides a groovy sound with a strong Nigerian influence. He introduces South Africans to a different yet vibey sound.

It is a fusion of hip-hop, highlife sound, Afro-beat with reggae, jazz and a little bit of rap.

As much as the music sound is limited, anyone can relate to it.

Boasting an eclectic style, Flavour's album is dominated by tracks about women and their bodies.

There are also songs in which he expresses love. Some songs are based on his life, often hilarious, but with a deeper meaning in an interesting way.

The catch sound gives it that exotic output where you visualise a woman thrown back and hips swaying to the beat.

The foreign language in some of the lyrics will not deter you from enjoying this album.

You can dance to Oyi, Nwa Baby, Pant No N'iro, My Baby, Alcohol and My Woman is Gone.

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