Never has an album title been so fitting. I’ll admit that I haven’t been completely blown away by Tosca over the years, but Dorfmeister and Huber sure know how to dial the chill. Their new record No Hassle is one of the most accessible sounding records I’ve heard in years. This is one for the lazy summer or for the cold winter.

This is deep, this is hypnotic, and this is groovy. No Hassle oozes class and stamps on your forehead that you’ve been completely lounged by Huber and Dorfmeister.

The aptly titled opener My First takes us through swirls, bongos and guitar wah-wah’s. Typical of the best chill out, the pacing of this is done very well; with some creepy vocals thrown in if you aren’t hypnotised enough.
Second moves onto one of the best tracks produced this year. Elitsa, a track that you’d best listen to curled up under a blanket while the rain patters your roof and you’re browsing ITM late at night. The beauty about this one is that there’s no real drum kicks, but instead there’s bass kicks that help add to the stripped back and relaxed nature of the track. There’s dubbed guitar plucking laid majestically over beeps, and a fuzzy bassline. If there’s a track you want on repeat. It’s this one.

The quality of No Hassle doesn’t let down, remaining thoroughly consistent throughout. Joe Si Ha, adds groove, and even more hypnotising synth work over wild wild west guitar work and a deep bassline. Whilst Mrs. Bongo is another track that fits the title. With a killer Massive Attack-esque main beat accompanied by some wicked echoed bongo plays that are put under some female woo’s.

Tosca managed to evoke a fantastic imagery with their tracks, and their tune Elitsa makes for a great example. You can feel the steam of your breath warm your cold face on a winter’s morning. You can smell the wash of the waves on your balcony over the sea.

Arguably the best album I’ve heard so far in to 2009, No Hassle sounds extremely classy, polished and crisp, making it absolutely No Hassle in listening to… Sorry, had to be done!