Julien Parise - Dirty Symphony

Written by Youri Jozee

House/Techno

Resident DJ of Parisian clubs Le Triptique, La Fabrique and Rex Club  -Julien Parise- is about to release his debut album Dirty Symphony on the Missive label. Here’s what we think of his view on the ‘Parisian house and techno sound ‘.

Dirty Symphony draws on Julien’s broad taste in dance music, yet in essence is a most warm, energetic (tech-)house affair. In that sense, the album doesn’t add anything new to the many similar albums out there already but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s crap. Each track on the album features a solid production with crisp sounds and silky strings being mixed with pumping beats and warm bass. Opening track Ouverture is a playful tech-house stomper marked by a catchy melody, although it’s a shame that we encounter a few false tones. Blocapollo is a much more techno-based track fueled by uptempo, stripped-down beats and a freaky haunting theme. Strong and loopy, this tune could serve as a DJ-tool very well in the hands of techno DJs. The warm What’s Up is a very enjoyable tech-house tune the way the Soma label likes them. Lovely tune, although it is a shame that the out-of-place and dissonant siren messes things up around the breakdown. Highlight of the album is the title track, which is a dirty electrohouse brute in which nasty claps, roaring buzz synths and a manic melody (again with a few false notes we’re sorry to say…) form a powerful combination.

Our verdict:
Mixed feelings arise when listening to Dirty Symphony. The album has the potential to shake clubs with its energetic content, but the sloppy production flaws and the ‘a-dime-a-dozen nature’ of the album are disappointing. Overall speaking we say it’s a go, but it’s a close call.

Rating: 6.8/10
Label: Missive
Release date: October 2010

Dirty Symphony tracklist:
1. Ouverture
2. Fantasien
3. Blocapollo
4. Rogue Robot
5. What’s Up
6. The Country Side Dub
7. Colors
8. From House to House
9. Dirty Symphony
10. Time