Review Summary: Oh, you. You're the one for me.
Whether it be through releases on the KDJ and Mahogani labels or collaboration with J Dilla and Slum Village, Andrés has certainly made a mark on underground music. Deep house classic “New For U” is a well-known gem on the DJ circuit, but, generally speaking, Andrés is one of the lesser-known Detroit heroes. Given his work ethic and humility in the scene, this is understandable, but it's notable that this understated, sincere quality is also reflected in his music.
Andrés and his contemporaries are inspired by an eclectic mixture of disco, soul, boogie, hip-hop, and jazz, but Andrés' unique approach skews toward the low-key and sentimental. Occupying a space in between dance and chill-out, he favors loops with power over the hips that can be felt just as deeply by head-bobbing or foot-tapping--and if you listen closely, you can hear the tracks revel in their dual existence. Each one is sample-heavy and often slightly un-quantized, wearing that choppy feel on its sleeve while simultaneously blending all the pieces into a cohesive, organic product. The resulting arrangements are sparse, yet somehow strangely lush, capturing the spirit of Detroit deep in a singular and unpretentious way. This sound can be enjoyed in a variety of contexts; whether lounging, dancing, or driving, there's something here that will fit the mood.
You may be thinking:
ok, but Is It Cool? The answer is
yes. But I hope you think so, too.
