Here is an album for fans of broken beats and urban grooves that is so chock full of soul you won’t be able to help but get your groove on. If acts such as Jazzanova, Bugz in the Attic and Rainer Truby get your toes tapping then read on, this could well be your next essential album. Once in a While is the second album from Croation duo Eddy Meets Yannah. Eddy Ramich, whilst not strictly Croatian (Dutch born with Slavik and Croatian roots), has been Djing since the late 80s and previously released an album as Eddy & Dus (with former partner Dus) as well as remixing the likes of Sun Ra and Miguel Migs. Yannah Valdevit is the Croatian born singer, producer and arranger whose voice soars throughout this album. Together their 2005 debut album Just Like… raised heads from the likes of Giles Peterson and garnered them worldwide attention. Once in a While looks set to further this reputation.

The charm to Once in a While is the tight production and variety offered over the 16 tracks. Keeping to a mostly songlike structure, each is punchy and concise and doesn’t fall into the trap of similar albums with too much of the same. The album kicks off with the soothing downbeat title track Once in a While that gives the first Yannah’s soothing voice as it dances effortlessly over fairly simple beats. However it is not all soulful vocals and broken beats, as proven in the very next track Bad Fairy, featuring eccentric UK musician Earl Zinger on vocals. Wispy beats, backing strings and Zinger’s almost drone-like voice give it a much more solemn feel. Other guests include rhymer Capitol A, who partners with Yannah for Losing Wings, and fellow soul songstress Amalia who sounds like a female version of Prince as she busts it out on the upbeat part starter Who Is It?.

Once In A While features everything from quirky and offbeat to moments of dubby and dirty as it takes you on its musical ride. It’s an album that traverses a range of emotions that to put simply, is just a lot of fun to have playing around the house. Definitely recommended.