Artist: Jay Tripwire & Grant Dell
Title: Cosmic Kebab EP
Label: Release Grooves
By: Simon Jones | 2 April 2004
Tracklist:

• A1: Slo Roast (Vox Mix)
• A2: Leannapella
• B1: Cosmic Kebab
• B2: Slo Roast (Dub)

Jay Tripwire & Grant Dell "Cosmic Kebab EP"

Jay Tripwire teams up with the excellent Grant Dell for this latest release on Canadian label Release Grooves. The 'Cosmic Kebab EP' sees both producers attempt to build on their past form, with 'Slo Roast' having already found it's way onto Hernan Cattaneo's Renaissance Masters cd, which would indicate that all is well and good. Unfortunately, it seems as though someone left the cooker on too long.

The 'Vocal Mix' of 'Slo Roast' combines the best elements of each producer's respective sounds and brings them together in this seductive techy workout that shimmers in hypnotic fashion whilst the soulful vocals float over the deep and moody bass. Keeping the tempo relaxed, this is an early evening joint that will do the business and set the foundations for the rest of the evening, and with an added acapella and dub it's versatility in your sets is practically guaranteed.

'Cosmic Kebab' builds itself around a similar vocal refrain, but is the more twisted of the two tracks on offer, subtle techy arrangements complimented by swirling effects, a low slung bassline and lounge style chords wrapping up this smooth house cut, which although oozing with the usual production quality you would expect from these two producers, really cannot match it's a-side counterpart in terms of appeal.

Release Grooves tend to be hit and miss over the last few releases, and following the prior release from Shmuel Flash, this is quite a disappointment considering it has Grant Dell's involvement,and is saved only by the captivating appeal of 'Slo Roast'. A release more stuck in a groove than creating one.