Slacker, a well-known UK production team that now comprises solely of Shem McCauley which was responsible for hits like ‘Your Face’ and ‘Scared’ which became anthems of the mid-90’s progressive house/trance scene, returns with a tastefully fresh outlook on progressive music.

In his previous life Shem McCauley (AKA Slacker) was considered one of the most prolific progressive house producers in the business. His tracks and remixes were played by the genre’s most popular DJs and they landed on the finest mix compilations. However, with the business changing and tastes shifting Shem grew increasingly frustrated with the type of music “the business” was looking for. So he did the unthinkable – he disappeared. This UK native moved to Bangkok, Thailand, cut off communication with the industry, started a new job …and a new life. So, it’s been two years in Thailand and Slacker is back with an album that could have only been created in total isolation from the industry. It’s not progressive house, but this is progressive electronic down tempo music.

It isn’t often that I cover down tempo material (with my first endeavour some years ago), but it’s a genre I am slowly discovering myself drawn to, especially when all the cookie cutter big room progressive house and peak time trance just get too repetitive for me. This album is a wet oasis of ideas, thoughts and enlightenment in a world filled with dry deserts of noise.

Read on past the break as I dissect my favourite tracks, elements and discuss in detail the power of down tempo music.  High quality samples await!

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Is it obvious that I’m cleaning out a backlog of Discover releases? It should be, and in any regard, this is my last of the day and most definitely the most unique release on the Discover White Label since it’s first release 12 months ago. John completely reinvents his sound for this exotic release, and Beirut is probably his most lush and relaxing release to date.

Along with John’s Original Mix, which is, by the way, down tempo and chilled out to the max, are two tasty remixes from Thomas Datt and recent remix contest winner, Xgenic.  Thomas’ remix is a sultry progressive number that is dark and edgy, while maintaining much of the uplifting aura of the Original Mix.  As for Xgenic’s rework, I’ve got to say that considering what the original material was, he’s truly re-invented it and given it a sound that fits right at home with some of today’s harder hitting trance DJs like Christopher Lawrence, Sean Tyas and Paul van Dyk.

Read on past the break for some high quality samples and be sure to show the label some love, buy the tracks if you like them!

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