Artist: Fairmont
Title: Gazebo / Gazelle
Label: Border Community
By: Jason Calvert | 21 December 2005
Tracklist:

• A1: Gazebo (Original Mix)
• A2: Gazebo (Tool)
• B1: Gazelle (Original Mix)
• B2: Gazelle (Tool)

Fairmont "Gazebo / Gazelle"

Canadian Jacob Fairley makes a long awaited return here on Border Community. In the past, his minimal sound has captured the ears of many through his releases on Traum and EchoChord. As with all Border releases, the release packs a distinct edge to it which makes people turn around and ask what the track playing is. The effective simplicity of the tastefully layered melodies is the key to these two tracks, and it works like a dream.

'Gazebo# is the more driving of the two tracks presented here. There isn't a huge variety of elements to the track. Just an effective array of percussion, a tight underlying groove, and a solid melody line which packs some serious punch. Very catchy, and if you're anything like me you'll find yourself whistling this melody away while you are at work!

'Gazelle' goes for a different approach, and is certainly the more emotive of the two. The melody here is really quite breathtaking, and I feel is easily the stronger of the two tracks. The depth showcased reminds me of some of Fairley's other work, and I felt right at home on this track. It is a true testament to Border Community for showcasing such diversity, as sometimes the sameness of modern electronic can become monotonous after a while! Highly refreshing!

For the creatively minded, you will find two (may i say excellent and highly useful) tools provided on the release. The 'Gazelle' tool even works magnificently as an ambient track in its own right, and I have actually used this in an ambient compilation I put together for personal use. DJs do their thing because they have a creative flair, so it is excellent to see a label recognising this need for tools to be creative with! An amazing release, and if you need a bit of a change you really can't go past this one. Also look out for a beautiful three-tracker from Fairmont titled 'I Want To See The Sun Come Up' on Danish label EchoChord.