Artist: Pure Funk
Title: Elektrik
Label: Renaissance Recordings
By: Simon Jones | 13 October 2003
Tracklist:

• A: Original Mix
• B: Behrouz Dub Mix
• C: Behrouz Vocal Mix
• D: Mr Groove and Vergas Mix

Pure Funk "Elektrik"

Mr Groove and Vergas are a production duo who hail from Portugal. House lovers will already be familiar with the track 'Black and White', which was recently released on Yoshitoshi offshoot Yo! Recordings. Now they return with a follow up of sorts, teaming up with vocalist Deanna Dellacioppa under the guise of Pure Funk. The track 'Elektrik' has already been a staple in the sets of djs such as Renaissance's own Marcus James and many more, and now it's impact is hoped to be felt even more, with this double disc of mixes on offer.

First up is the 'Original Mix', which builds itself around a big drum percussion line and big stabs that slide across the groove as Deanna's emotive vocal shimmers in and out of the beats. Rising chords and hypnotic melody lines lend an interesting effect to the arrangement, at times pushing the vocal hook far above the underlying bassline, leading into a big solo which brings the mix to an end.

Yoshitoshi favourite Behrouz offers two different interpretations of 'Elektrik', the 'Dub Mix' opting for a more reclined, funky mood. Deep anaolgue style stabs send ripples through the tight percussive groove. and the vocal is used sparingly, with the occasional looped effect dropped in for good measure. This first mix ix will fit nicely in an early morning or after hours set, with just the right amount of funk to keep the floor moving, as the track descends into a chilling vocal led outro. The 'Behrouz Vocal Mix' sticks to the same template, but constructs itself around a twisted drum percussion line and vocal hook. The mood however remains unchanged and overall there is not much difference between the two mixes.

The final mix comes from Pure Funk themselves under their alter ego 'Mr Groove & Vergas'. Building in fast from the intro, big throbbing bass leads into a rolling groove that soon takes control of the track. It's when the big electro chords work their way into the track that the real story begins as the mix stops being a chugging house number and becomes a big room monster, as the vocal finds itself engulfed by big atmospheric sweeps. Fading down to nothing, the bass slowly edges back in for one dramatic final moment, which will send shockwaves across the dancefloor. The best has undoubtedly been saved for last.

Renaissance continue their comeback, with a new direction for the label becoming apparent over the past two releases. Whether it is the right direction remains to be seen, but nevertheless it's nice to see the label back alive and kicking.