Just over a year on since he released his stunning LP ‘Happiness’ on Classic Music Company, Eli Escobar returns to the label with an album which couldn’t be further removed in sentiment. Whereas ‘Happiness’ radiated sublime house/disco hybrid bliss throughout, ‘Shout’ is a heartfelt rage against America’s developing political disasters. The quintessential New York City DJ, Eli is a devoted collector, explorer and connoisseur of all kinds of music from his hip-hop roots. He is hugely well-respected in the New York club circuit after over two decades of mutual love for the city and the house scene. Having been switched on to Eli by his debut album ‘Up All Night’, Classic Music Company is now his creative home. ‘Shout’ starts robustly with ‘Nightmare Rag’, police sirens ringing out in the background while a disgruntled voice repeats “ode to America” and a dream-like piano riff gathers momentum, turning into a punchy acid beat. Giving way to tangible heartbreak in ‘Interlude (American Sorrow)’ with lamenting saxophone and light percussion, Eli maintains the political message in ‘The People’, urging the listener to wake up by using crafty vocal samples and hypnotic chords. Further highlights include heavier tracks like ‘Muzik’ which picks up the pace of the record, before ‘City Song’ brings back the New York house vibe with vocal cuts and warm synths. ‘City Song Part 2’ and ’Body and Soul’ show Eli’s disco influences while ‘Goin’ On?’ flickers with hope.
A stormy departure from the glowing balminess of his previous LPs, ‘Shout’ addresses Eli’s anguish over his country hitting self-destruct, while still putting his own twist on his city’s house and disco soundtrack, joining the dots between yesterday’s golden era classics and today’s club anthems. Underpinning it all is Eli’s acute musical sensitivity; whether it’s a straight-up party jam or a crafty disco cut-up, warmth and soul are poured in. More