Blisspop buddy and denizen of the classic house sound Phil Hafner – known in D.C.’s dance music family as PHILCO – is following up his spectacular Whitney Houston edit with an original. “I Guide the Beat,” out now on the recent Sticky Fingers compilation, is the kind of tech groove that calls to mind artists like Masters of Work or Blaze. The track, guided by crisp percussion, a minimalist melody, and a killer earworm of a vocal sample, excellently pumps and executes the “less is more” approach with the type of earnesty we’ve come to expect on labels like Hot Creations as it bumps to the beat intuitively and without condescension.
“I Guide the Beat” demonstrates that PHILCO is more than just an artist who has discovered his voice; he’s an artist who has allowed his voice to be crafted over time and allowed it to naturally evolve, like a fine wine, with the patience required to stand out amongst a jury of peers. In other words, this is the kind of record that seasoned pros release and Phil Hafner ain’t no silly ass amateur – he’s a pro.
“I Guide the Beat” is currently available as a free download as part of the current Sticky Fingers compilation.
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