Phonique: Good Idea

Phonique
Good Idea
Dessous
2007-05-05

A number of vocalists appear on Phonique’s Good Idea, and his mild, melodic electro pop comforts his guests, even if he’s used to another terrain. Born Michael Vater, the Berlin-based producer churns out often light-hearted, even sugary uptempo tracks on Good Idea, but a limited edition second CD accompanying the album finds Vater commandeering a mix of his own (also new) house productions; he’s better known for these sounds. While Good Idea offers a universal spread, with funk entries such as “Thinking of You”, featuring double-tracked love letter-styled verses from vocalist Ruben, or percussive, glitchy techno in “Lovely Morning”, the bonus disc’s riches are vast and plentiful. “One Hour” gurgles midway through Vater’s mix, and stuttering with fizzy atmospherics and glass pings, it rivals rewarding collaborations here in its vigor. Vater livens a subtle short build on “Stockholm” with synth melodica tones alongside Sweden’s Zoo Brazil, while guest Gui Boratto ensures that “Space Cruise” packs the lingering blips that landed his Chromophobia in the prized upper echelon of 2007’s electronic releases. The pop leanings more than suffice on Good Idea, but Vater’s crowd-moving bonus beats indicate that he’s relaxed in his own digs, while the dancefloor wobbles with energy.

RATING 7 / 10