- Along with his peers—Tadd "James T. Cotton" Mullinix, D'Marc Cantu and Legowelt—Chicago DJ/producer Traxx, AKA Melvin Oliphant, is making some of the best contemporary dance music, delivering a particularly raw and murky slant on jacking Chicago house. "In a Daze," though, suggests that he isn't content to focus solely on grainy, underground grooves. Oliphant has hooked up here with Californian vocalist Eric D. Clark—most famously the vocalist on Whirlpool Productions' "Disco to Disco"—for the Mutant Beat Dance project, whose first release could garner them a crossover hit.
The vocal version of "In a Daze" is rooted in Chicago's house legacy, with rolling snares and a slinky bass underpinning Clark's vocal refrain of "you bring me up." Coupled with evocative synths, it feels like a polished, contemporary take on '90s hip house. It's the FSY remix, however, that could push "Daze" through to the mainstream. Accentuating Clark's claim that "this groove can be your guide," this version also features an infectious piano line that exudes a celebratory feeling and immediately calls to mind sun-kissed beaches, outdoor parties and good times.
Currently limited to 500 copies, it's only a matter of time before this year's summer anthem in waiting gets a wider release.
TracklistA1 In a Daze (Eric D. Clark vocal version)
A2 In a Daze (Original dub)
B1 In a Daze (Erix' F.S.Y. rework)
B2 In a Daze (Erix' F.S.Y. dub)