As a DJ/producer/label owner, Anthony Collins is a man of many talents. Since first landing on the decks as a young 17-year-old in France to holding down some of New Yorks finest parties and uncovering new talent from different corners of the globe, Collins remains a steady fixture in todays evolving electronic scene. An explorer of different soundscapes, Collins is widely known for delivering strings of quality releases. This April, HAKT Recordings proudly presents Lie To Me, the latest diamond in the rough by Collins.
Our journey begins with the album's eponymous track. Its raw, gritty, in-your-face pounding bassline immediately captivates, gradually building up to an unforgettable vocal drop. A nod to old school Chicago and ghetto house, Big Willy's grimy, infectious vocal work brings the track to life as he roars, "This motherfuckin' pimp's got to get P-A-I-D." Recorded years earlier, it wasn't until Collins cleaned out an old hard drive that he re-discovered the vocals--undoubtedly a blessing in disguise for listeners as the end result is a powerful,12-minute beast of a track destined to elevate listeners into a state of hedonistic euphoria.
Following suit is the markedly calmer but equally throbbing jam, "Swing State." Though it relies on the similar old school style as its antecedent, the EP's second single remains an instrumental track. Amid crackling kicks and snares, the jacking groove takes hold when a sudden chorus of thundering claps erupts toward the finish line before drifting to a close.
Stripping away any remnants of Big Willy's vocals, what remains on the EP is a dub offering by Collin's label companion and Frank & Tony's other half, Francis Harris under his Lightbluemover alias. Deep, dark and minimal, the wicked re-work's distorted synths and subdued percussion transports listeners to a hazy paradise they won't want to abandon any time soon.