option4 – Love Like No Other/Black Cats [Nurvous Records]
Combining aspects of R&B/techno/deep house, Love Like No Other/Black Cats is a very creative release that mashes genres in an interesting and genre-bending way.
The smooth vocals over Love Like No Other provided by FLASH/LIGHTS almost seem like they belong in a different song. Something more mainstream pop, or possibly even a more contemporary rap hook. However, option4 has managed to blend them incredibly well with his style of music. The bass-line is deep house, the synths are tech house, and the vocals are almost pop. An interesting combination I know, but it grooves well and is superbly done. The second track is a bit more by-the-books. Thumping bass-line over sampled vocal stabs, and sparse synths, Black Cats is also incredibly groovy and gives off a seriously energetic vibe. Standout elements of this track are the guitar over the verse, and how option4 uses the piano’s chordal expression and effects to add a very different feeling to the track. I actually preferred Black Cats to the original track just because I thought the constantly morphing piano added such an interesting and varied aspect to the track. Definitely give this release a listen.
