(Mixture/Universal)

Now at the age of 28, French born DJ and producer Martin Solveig has been involved with electronic music since his early teens. His first appearance was being a resident DJ at some of Paris’ top clubs like Le Palace, Les Bains-Douches, Le-Queen and more. As many DJs do, Martin’s love for the electronic arts soon evolved into a passion for production, and soon after he began to produce his first pieces. Although they were nothing spectacular, Solveig persisted and soon after with the help of a good friend he started his own label Mixture.

Martin’s first hit “Edony”, was some what of a team effort but sold a massive 40,000 copies on vinyl. “Sur La Terre (On Earth)” released in 2002 was Solveig’s first album which was his big break opening up so many more opportunities and potential successes. Then in 2004 Martin released “Rocking Music” which took the UK electronic scene by storm, selling 100,000 copies world wide. 2005 saw the release of “Hedonist” and it’s first single “Everybody” which was heard not only in clubs but on radio stations everywhere. This brings us to Martin’s latest release, the second single from Hedonist, “Jealousy”.

The first track on the single is the three and a half minute radio edit of “Jealousy”. The track starts with strummed guitar chords and a house like beat. Vocals fire up very early in the track, which is a little early for my liking but on the other hand it is the radio edit. The track has a very Brazilian styled sound with backing vocals that almost give this track a gospel feel. Variations are rare in the radio edit and basically are only found when the chorus hits. This consists of a total silence apart from the vocals and a little electronic brass. I found it to be a really effective contrast of sound and the way the track builds back into the main section is the reason that “Jealousy” will do so well. The second track on the single is much of the same apart from the length. It has a little more of a driving beat and as expected a longer intro and outro. Once again the break down (chorus) is what defines the track and in track 2 it is slightly different but just as good as the radio edit.

Overall I really enjoyed Solveig’s latest single. It contains all the elements which in my opinion should be a part of house, ranging from the melodic vocals, the big brass sounds and of course the guitar samples; which are taking off in so much electronic music today. The only criticism is the very commercial aim of this single, offering no other perspectives and remixes of the track apart from the album and radio edits. So although I definitely enjoyed what I heard, I eagerly await some remixes to be released.