Artist: Leger & Lake
Title: Word & Ghost
Label: Rising Music
By: Andrew Bilen | 11 February 2008
Tracklist:

• A: Word
• B: Ghost

Leger & Lake "Word & Ghost"

Two of the biggest names in dance music are back at it to collaborate on their second joint effort. Sebastien Leger & Chris Lake combine forces once again to create what will very likely be a big hit on the house scene. Appearing on Chris Lake's own Rising Music label, which has had an incredible run since its inception, the duo are able to carry on that momentum with their latest release.

'Word' has the stamp of Leger's trademark sound all over it with its big electro synth-line, backed by elements of Lake's more traditional house influence. The big bassy synths carry this one on a rollercoaster ride as the track builds and drops, lending itself perfectly to some peak-time main room action. The additional elements include a bit of funky guitar work, a tiny vocal snippet, and a beefy bass-line to hold things down. The breakdown right in the middle of this track is an absolute stunner, as it takes the track from electro territory, into a slick little housey guitar-lick that is sure to impress. It certainly had my jaw on the floor the first time I heard it, as this track is able to meld two very different styles into one incredible track, with effortless transitions in between. In my humble opinion, this is the best collaboration this duo has put together, across this EP and the previous one that included Aqualight & Striped Flower.

The second track on this release is of a completely different nature, with a more upbeat house vibe. This track seems to be going for that sun-drenched, summery house feel, akin to the sound of a DJ like Luke Fair for example. Ghost combines a bit of slightly trance-esque synth work atop an old-school moog style house bass-line that really comes to take center stage as the track develops, and acts as the main attraction. All the elements of this track work together wonderfully in their form, however the choice of synth sound seems just slightly out of place. There's a lot to like about this track, but I think a slightly different main synth would have made it perfect in my opinion.

There isn't much to say about these two producers, whether working together or apart, aside from "they're incredible." Word is an electro-house stormer that will grab everyone's attention on first listen. Ghost is a more laid-back house track that, it's one flaw aside, is a definite charmer. This is a very strong release for both producers and the label involved, and will continue their strong reputations as the some of the best that house music has to offer.