Raff- Soul Electric

Raff
Soul Electric
Aztec Records

Half Scot, half Italian singer / songwriter Raff seems to have been blessed with the best of both his ancestries. Combining the subtle complexities of Scottish song writing with the natural groove and danceability of Italy, he delivers a tasty slice of electrified pop music with ‘Soul Electric’ out on Aztec Records.

The new London based imprint has been bubbling away somewhat quietly over the past few months, patiently gaining a reputation with a clutch of solid releases that straddle the lines somewhere between pop and dance music. ‘Soul Electric’ does exactly that, but also displays Raff’s own devotion to soul music, whilst interplaying with his own interpretation of contemporary pop and electronica. The track is driven by visceral guitar riffs, a pounding beat and a surging vocal performance that provides the narrative. The guitar brings the rhythm whilst the vocals wash the track with melody. 80s influenced synths swash over the top as the intensity rises until a matured breakdown paves the way for the track to spill for one final time.

‘Dead Love Junkie’ builds from a bitter sweet ballad into a tight electro-pop jam. Shuffling drum patterns cascade into another rhythm rich number that manipulates lush melodies and jangling keys to create a catchy pop track. The third original track on the EP comes in the form of an acoustic version of ‘Freak’, proving that he is as comfortable behind a pumping synth line as he is on stage with just a guitar and his own voice. Dead Love Junkies widen the palette of the record with a deep and percussive rework of ‘Dead Love Junkie.’ Highly atmospheric and engaging from start to finish, wild tropical noises filter through the deep basslines, making this remix of particular interest to the clubs. Staying firmly on the dancefloor, Jon Pleased Wimmin turns in a retro-house remix whose shimmering synths compliment the vocal edits of Raff’s voice perfectly. Brimming with energy, this is a timely reminder of label who can cross over from the radio to the club with natural ease.