While the album that this single is lifted from, Sueno Mediterraneo, takes its cues from the “loved-up” Italian house of the early 1990s – all loon birds, warm pads, and serene, dream-like, synth washes – Underwater is actually much more of a tribal thumper. Where twisted ambient techno tones, and big, bold, pulsating bass, do friendly battle with conga rattle, cowbell, and carnival whistles. The muted brass, and vocals – provided by London-based singer / songwriter, Louis Vann Johnson (last heard on the previous Chris Coco-coproduced composition, Superstars) – had me thinking of Arthur Russell – in particular Arthur’s truly magical masterpiece In The Light Of A Miracle – and especially on Chris` spaced-out 11 and a half minute mix. Boasting more breakdowns, Art Of Noise / Fairlight-like outbursts, and with Louis` falsetto peaks signaling showers of cascading sequences – shooting star like shots of spirit lifting sonic sunshine – the tune heeds Russell’s request, “Let`s go swimming”, and fashions an extended deep dance-floor dive.
Chris Coco & Luca Averna`s Underwater is out now, on DSPPR.
The Chill Out Tent 