Some years ago, Demarkus Lewis made a shift from a deeper sound to a more tech-oriented blend of electronic boogie. Here he is turning again – not a U turn and certainly not backwards, but into something brand new, to my ear at least. The emphasis is on the “tribal” on Tribal Sun, and while he still utilizes techy effects, a complex, jazzy and tribal percussion is really at the forefront here. Those who play more experimental Afro-Latin influenced sets will find a lot to love here, with a sound that mixes in a little bit of Alix Alvarez and a little bit of Jeff Mills. Oddly, though, the whole seven track EP holds together like few that I’ve heard lately: it has the feeling more of an old school album rather than “seven tracks put out to maximize sales”. I’ve got to give a tip of my hat to “I Feel U”. It’s probably the most chill tune of the record, but the way the wild drums work against the rather sweet and loungey groove just comes out of nowhere. Anything unexpected like that gets my respect. Fans of the jazzier side of old school Detroit Techno (Eddie Fowlkes, etc.) will absolutely love the alternative mix of “Bed Side Manner”.
