London based Italian artist and Wilson Records boss Fabio Monesi returns to his own Wilson Records imprint with the expansive long player “Cruel Intentions”. Fabio takes an emotionally charged look at 80s inspired synth heavy heaters designed for the dancefloor.
For today’s premiere we firstly focus in on B2 track “Silent Treatment” and from the outset the sinister synth stabs clearly mean business. A thumping kick drum is soon joined by room shaking snares and a slap funk bass that, well, slaps. In a big way. Breathy exhales from the unknown female vocalist help to segue the breakdowns perfectly just in time for the beats to come crashing in again.
This is a finely curated theme that runs through the entire album but not so obviously that the core message is tired out. Beginning side B is “You Are The One For Me” and Elis Jolie’s haunting vocals echo across the eons of Chicago house but with a more electro tinged modern house update.
Flipping over to side A and more huge basslines and epic vocals await on “Wake You Up” and while following a more classic song structure the supporting track is as tough as it comes. A2 is a similarly crossover potential banger from Fabio and “Body Juice” leans heavily on the stripped back vocals and supporting huge bassline.
Over on disc 2 and “Emotional Deception” tells a tale from the dancefloor with the aid of vocal chops, darkened synths and the now trademark larger than life bassline. Venturing deeper into the Chicago house ties that Fabio has already forged via his Wilson Records label, “Toxic Love” speaks to another facet of an intense relationship that Fabio had been involved in. The result is this goldmine of insights on all manner of relationships that he undoubtedly found himself being a part of.
Flipping over one final time to side D and “The Midnight Merchant” is a much more forlorn and toned down affair. The slower BPMs allow for more movement in the emotional side of the track by way of the waning synths and undulating strings. Completing the LP is “Mystic Future” and the arpeggiating synths and expanding synths offer perhaps the most uplifting moment of the release and how better to end such a personal album than on a positive note.
You can get your hands on the vinyl and digital release via Bandcamp.
More info on Fabio Monesi
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More info on Wilson Records
Facebook | RA | Soundcloud | Bandcamp | Discogs
