Artist: Fretwell
Title: Fretwell EP
Label: Electrofly Records
By: Simon Jones | 27 May 2004
Tracklist:

• A: Faceless
• B: Dreams Attack

Fretwell "Fretwell EP"

Tim Fretwell's career as a producer has come on in leaps and bounds over the last few months. Building the foundations of his career on Climax Recordings, Tim quickly became a remixer of choice for Bedrock, remixing singles by Pole Folder & CP and Bedrock themselves, before following up with a single entitled 'Ember' which received critical acclaim across the board, and marked his debut on the Electrofly label. Not one to rest on his laurels, Tim has spent the last few months remixing artists such as Steve Porter, Hyper & General Midi, and once again Pole Folder, but he's still managed to find the time to deliver two new original tracks as part of an EP on this, his Electrofly follow up entitled the 'Fretwell EP'.

Leading the way, 'Faceless' is an epic journey through rolling beats, ethereal pads and dreamy lush chords. A solid hook carries the track through it's first few minutes, the rolling bass really churning up the elements of the track, pushing them towards the breakdown where big keys come into play, taking over as the beats drop out momentarily and keeping the energy level locked before releasing it as the finale eases the things down a notch or two, as Fretwell's fusion of downtempo and electronic grooves once again prove to be unstoppable.

'Dreams Attack' takes us into deeper, spacious territory, as Fretwell creates a funky vibe with his innovative use of snares and melodies. Upbeat rhythms and a driving groove drag the sounds to the surface, the emphasis on the top end really helping to create a feeling of multiple sound layers, and as the swirling melodies wash over the dirty acid breaks that sneak in the during the track's second half, then you will realise where it's name comes from.

A producer who's work is constantly developing and improving, with his electronic sounds reminiscent of Future Sound Of London's early works, and his use of downtempo and melodic elements putting him a league of his own. Make no doubt about it, 2004 will be the year Tim Fretwell breaks through.