Tis the season for feel-good funk, and Dam Swindle has the perfect ticket. Released on their very own Heist Recordings, “Minor Fools” finds the pair back in action with a smooth gradient of classic House, Funk, Soul and Disco that will have your worries melting deep into the distance.
Dutch pair, Lars and Maarten, grace our speakers once again with a laid-back funk to give you all the chills. Having taken stake in the House scene for well over a decade, Dam Swindle, previously known as Detroit Swindle, have honed their skills across hundreds of tracks, fusing innovative production work, genre-blending eclecticism, and a willingness to break free from traditional constraints for a deep and unique groove that easily catches the ears. Having done collaborations with names like Tom Misch, Chet Faker, and Jill Scott, their breadth has reached far beyond the Electronic Music world. With juicy favorites like “The Breakup”, “Alright (We’ll Be)”, and “The Wrap Around,” the pair’s ability to create modern soul-infused dance weapons is unmatched.
Taking a sensual, toned-down turn from releases like 2013’s “Break Up to Make Up” or 2021’s “The Wrap Around” EP, the boys have found a more Minimal groove that focuses more towards Disco percussion and live instrumentation, featuring trumpet guru Bo Floor for a diverse and dreamy arrangement on the album. Their latest release “Minor Fools” leaves the punchy and invigorating for a more sultry, warm, and heartfelt collection of velvety dance magic. Keen to smooth out the mind’s wrinkles, you can find yourself immersed in a honey-drenched pastel color wheel, begging your body to get to stepping. Keeping the vibes contemporary, the rejection of the current trend of ‘90s influence makes this installment a very welcomed breath of fresh air.
The record starts out with an iconic Dam Swindle percussion-focused loop in “That’s Right,” slowly weaving in deep multi-melody instrumentation and before you know it, an entire jazzy orchestra is playing in your ears. Saxophone, trumpet, and organ melodies fill the tune with such ease, you feel like you’re laying your head on the softest pillow in the universe. The organ takes the lead, inviting you to settle in while a cozy groove is created. Lyrics calling out “is that right?” bring an added funk to the already creamy tune, and a saxophone solo brings a colorful wave of emotion. Ascending and addictive brass elements will keep this tune stuck in your head for ages—a bonafide Ohrwurm.
Finishing out, “Soul’s Lament” brings a fortitude of rhythm. Immediately, a more contemplative arrangement dips our toes in bit by bit as the elements gradually come to the forefront of the tune. A sense of longing blooms as the melody lingers. It’s a very chilled-out classic House sound yet with added complexity and depth in the multi-melody that carries through. Synth sprinkles layer and build to a euphoric climax, while the rhythm and harmony power on for a marathon dancing sesh. Bringing the sun and soul, Dam Swindle’s latest “Minor Fools” shows that house can age like fine wine, with a svelte take on soul-filled house.
-Jen Warra
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