BnB Review: Audio Soul Project - Hip Shake Heartache
Written by Youri Jozee
Chicago House -
Chicago house, we can’t get enough of that here at the BnB HQ, especially when it comes from an established producer such as Mazi Namvar aka Audio Soul Project…
Audio Soul Project’s second album Hip Shake Heartache’s (his first in nine years) right on the money when it comes to delivering soulful Chi-town workouts, which is hardly a surprise when you know that Mazi has been releasing and remixing tunes since ’94. The album moves between the areas of disco, deep house, and soulful house, with each track reflecting the original warmth of authentic, analogue Chicago jacking. From the lush glows and powerful keys on the opening track of the album ( the funky Mnemosyne), the album elegantly moves back and forth between the many facets of house music, picking up and fusing elements into 10 very exciting cuts. Tunes such as Shadow Around Them and the rough Asha reflect the original Chicago sound, while the very juicy disco tinged Good Inside and the electro-riddled Never Go Away are proof that Mazi’s skills stretch well beyond that genre only. Oh, and Call Of Grace features The Voice Of Chicago House –Ron Caroll- on vocals, so that’s flawless victory style right there.
Our verdict Hip Shake Heartache has become a very diverse album that’s deeply rooted in the Chicago house sound but doesn’t shy away from incorporating disco, electro and funk elements. Many a producer would go astray when working on such a project, but Mazi manages to create a wonderful and energetic blend of all that’s good in house music. A lovely album.
Tracklist 1. Mnemosyne 2. Have It All Dub 3. Shadow Around Them 4. Dig Up 5. Good Inside 6. My Bluff 7. Asha 8. Song for Fred (Album Version) 9. Never Go Away 10. Call of Grace (Album Version)
Chicago House - 
