Artist: Danny Armstrong
Title: Confusion EP
Label: Rococo Records
By: Simon Jones | 12 March 2007
Tracklist:

• A: Kill The Machines (Original Mix)
• B: Kill The Machines / Sign Language (Shiloh Mix)

Danny Armstrong "Confusion EP"

Danny Armstrong is just one of several names currently emerging out of Leeds in the UK. Following in the footsteps of recent exports such as Audiojack, Danny's first releases are beginning to hit the dance floors. Whilst a background in both rock and electronica may seem a bit of an odd combination, the subtle melodies and filthy beats of his music show how the two elements can work hand in hand - proven here on the 'Confusion EP'.

The a-side sees 'Kill The Machines' in it's original form, a tech-edged melodic house track that brings together pumping progressive grooves and beats, underpinned by breakbeat stabs and a 'Speak N Spell' vocoded vocal. The tempo is fairly consistent, making the track an excellent mid-set piece to drive a DJ set to the next level, and whilst it's not particularly big on variation, it achieves it's purpose nevertheless.

On the flip, 'Shiloh' take the track and merge it together with 'Sign Language', one of the other original tracks on the EP. Created for their 'Elements 001' album but made available here in it's unmixed form, the Shiloh boys turn in a stunning mix that traverses the house and breakbeat sound that they were originally renowned for, injected with electro rhythms and swirling synths, with the main break turning this "mash up" on it's head as the track descends into a heads down finale. Whilst fans of Shiloh have been somewhat split over their recent direction, this remix is right up there with some of their best work.

The 'Confusion EP' is a great debut for the newcomer Danny Armstrong, with extra digital only tracks available should you want to explore his work further, with much more work to come throughout the year. Shiloh's remix will please both their fans - and anyone who's heard it on their 'Elements 001' album will now be able to include it in their own DJ sets.