aaamusic | On 09, Jun 2014

With the recent rebirth of Disco, the genre is having a comeback the moment… so this record comes out at the right time, just as Bossa Nova and Disco are increasing in popularity. It’s distinct release on Far Out Records,  responsible for acts like Azymuth and Joyce Moreno, who celebrate their 20^th anniversary who are.

The record is like listening to a dedication to an era of music, and it’s done very well. It includes some of Rio’s finest musicians, including Jose Roberto Bertrami, Arthur Verocai, Alex Malheiros and many more. The instrumentation on the record is very authentic and features a full live orchestra. The Far Out Monster Disco Orchestra comes as two discs. Disc one has a Brazilian influence – recorded in Brazil in one of the top studios in Rio De Janeiro, this record comes with an authentic Disco sound, incredible mixes and great musicians. My favourite track is ‘Don’t Cha Know He’s Alright’; the instrumental version.

I don’t know why the vocals weren’t Brazilian; I think it would have sounded fine, nevertheless they adopt the native Angelo singers that sound more like Disco singers from the ’70s, including vocals recorded in the UK by Marcina Arnold & Mia Mendes, who deliver a nice blend. Overall, the musicianship and authentic Disco sound created with vintage analogue sound is top-notch. Using the best range of analogue equipment including a classic 2″ Ampex tape machine, Neve compressors, and a SSL desk that gave depth to the mixes throughout,  a full and rounded feel is brought to the record.

Disc two brings a more modern approach compared to the style of music on disc one. A Hip Hop and Electronic Dance music influence gives disc two a more up-to-date, digital feel. Listening to disc 2 was a refreshing experience after indulging the ’70s via disc one. My favourite tracks are ‘Keep Believing’ and ‘Dead Dance’ and, overall, this bonus disc has some great remixes and blends, including some very strong mixes from legends such as Theo Parrish, John Morales and Luca Trevise. It’s a record that could have gone horribly wrong, by choosing to do a modern take on ’70s Disco. But the idea worked as a whole and was successful through having amazing producers featured. Clearly a lot of time and thought has gone into making this record, and the journey through continents and the use of many features was a bold idea, to say the least.

★★★★★

Ian Brown