- France's answer to funky, electro-fused breakbeat is Phonat and this newcomer has already made waves with his Machine Noise release on Heavy Disco records. For his debut on Splank records, Phonat delivers a frenzied, effects driven monster on one side and a double-take of funky beats on the flip.
Side A. Just The FX
Starting off with a funky breakbeat, you'd be forgiven for thinking this is your average run of the mill breaks tune as it quickly progresses and incorporates element after element of razor-sharp electro effects, funky vocal stabs and big speaker rumbling basslines. It doesn't stop there either as the effects build upon themselves with variations thrown in. The big breakdown in the middle is completely comprised of effects, electro stabs and a deep male vocal which constantly repeats "Just The FX". Proper dancefloor devastation, which has been tried and tested.
Side B1. Burnin'
On a slower and deeper tip is Burnin, which keeps things breakbeaty, yet does not lose Phonat's electro appeal. The original version treads between the realms of rocky breakbeat and electroclash with a massive bassline, big electro slices and a sweet female vocal during the breakdown. During the main verse, Phonat incorporates a big 80s sounding rock guitar lick into the tune which gives it an interesting feel, perhaps not for this reviewer I'm afraid.
Side B2. Burnin' (Electro Mix)
No surprises as to what style of tune this mix is, but it's important to note that the vocal lick from the original has been passed through a vocoder and the bassline is sweetened by a bouncy synth and is given a new melody to sing. The tune is accompanied by telephone rings, dubby/echoey percussion and more variations on the vocals from the original. I must say that I haven't been completely taken in by the electro thing but this has got me sold, it's even better than the original!