(Peacefrog/Creative Vibes)

Out Detroit way, the spotlight has been shining brightly over Matthew Chicoine aka ‘Recloose’ for some time. Today this ‘Innerzone Orchestra’ turntabilist calls New Zealand home and with the release of his debut long player ‘Hiatus on the Horizon’, there is no chance of that spotlight growing dim anytime soon.

Somewhat the innovative experimentalist, Recloose, a trained jazz musician came to Carl Craig’s attention after slipping him a demo tape, this resulted in a signing to the Planet E imprint and later, remixes for Matthew Herbert and Jazzanova. It is this training and experience that makes ‘Hiatus on the Horizon’ a proper artist album, an album that displays a wealth of musical knowledge and a willingness to explore sound beyond its usual realms.

Opening with deep late night rhythms and the sultry vocals of Justin Chapman and Genevieve Marentette, the tracks ‘Landed’ and ‘Dust’ overflow with the type of generous jazzy warmth that invites wayward digital glances. The vibe here is softly alluring, with the promise of sounds exciting and fresh coming from the intricacies that lie beneath.

Come ‘Mana’s Bounce’ and this album really comes into its own. As the culmination of reggae rhythms, vibrant brass and chaotic scratching take hold, ‘Turkish Delight ’ weaves together funk guitar and rolling drum patterns whilst the graceful grooves of ‘Makutu Man’ meet with the fevered instrumental pitch of ‘Why I Otta’.

With a nod to Detroit, his traditional jazz roots and new NZ surrounds, ‘Hiatus on the Horizon’ is a fine beginning to what is bound to become one great sonic adventure.