Artist: Sideshow
Title: African Cheri
Label: Aus Music
By: Nick Williams | 4 June 2007
Tracklist:

• A: Original Mix
• B: Stefan Goldmann Mix

Sideshow "African Cheri"

The music career of Fin Greenall is a bit of a dichotomy. On one side we have Fink, a singer/songwriter from Brighton, England, with numerous releases on Ninja Tune. The other is a DJ named Sideshow who creates a mish mash of tech house influenced by analog and digital instruments. Although his career is focused more on his Fink venture, his DJ career has blossomed on Will Saul’s label, Simple Records, with six releases on the label in the last 4 years. This release, 'African Cheri', appears on Will's more experimental sister label, AUS Music, and is backed by a remix by German techno producer extraordinaire Stefan Goldmann.

'African Cheri' growls its way in with a deep, pounding kick sprinkled with splashy cymbal stabs. A deeply reverbed snare creates a great space while organic percussion sets the stage for a delicious dub inspired organic, round bassline. This spaced out groovy number may not turn many heads at first, but once the analog turns to digital distortion the track turns filthy. The bassline morphs into a spacey, bouncy thing, the snare thickens and we go into uncharted territory. Disco dub-step? Well, classify it however you like, the fact remains that it is an excellent, approachable club track that will find its home on many dancefloors.

Stephan Goldmann provides us with a more driving techno interpretation. A heavy hitting kick with a layering of almost inaudible organic human-like voices surround you, creating an interesting atmosphere, while off beat, dynamic synth stabs set the groove. The melody is taken partly from an electronic organ and partly from the organic guitar riffs of the original; and they combine together very well, delaying and moving all about the space. The great separation between the analog guitar and the electronic organ creates a mood that is light, yet driving at the same time. Everything builds together and the guitar melody flows every which way before going off into a building, jazz inspired interlude. Complex harmonic and melodic lines are displayed after that, yet fit very well into the groove.

This release, although more on the experimental side, showcases two excellent songs from two talented artists. Although you may be hard-pressed to find either of these being played at your local night club, rest assured that this is excellent dance music. Be sure to have a listen to this one.