Think you know Rupert Huber & Richard Dorfmeister?Perhaps not.The Viennese duo, otherwise known as Tosca, confound expectations on their new album, ‘Outta Here’. The sonic collages and smooth downbeat jams with which they made their name are replaced with a soul/jazz/blues confection that’s closer to a band like Brand New Heavies than anything else. “It’s called ‘Outta Here’ for a reason,” explains Rupert Huber. “The title stands for change, a change to the concept we’ve had so far. It refers to a change in energy and dynamic. We’ve been know for an almost ambient sounds. The new songs are much more beat-oriented and direct. Basically, it’s just a lot more energetic.” It certainly is that.
See tracks such as ‘Crazy Love’ for evidence. Built on a muscular bassline, it sees Rob Gallagher (ex-Galliano) doing his slinky, soulful thing, while keyboards and muted sound effects flare in the background. The rare groove revival starts here. ‘Swimswimswim’ reworks the same elements, with the addition of Cath Coffey (Stereo MCs) into a irresistible pulse of feel good vibes. Meanwhile, the title track, ‘Outta Here’, sounds like a lost gem from the early ’90s acid jazz era.
