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“No More You And Me Just We” is the latest offering from the Portland based duo of David Lind (dpL) and Jon Cates. Both are seasoned veterans of the international dance music scene, Dave having toured with Timo Maas as his tour manager for over five years and Jon being extremely influential in shaping the eclectic Portland, Oregon dance scene. Both artists have releases out on several international labels and receive support from DJs such as Hernan Cattaneo, Luke Chable, and Loco Dice. Now that their latest is out, how does it stack up? READ ON!!!!
Cates & dpL finished their first album towards the end of Summer 2004 in a relatively short period of time, considering both producers worked separately, emailing tracks back and forth until the album was finally completed. This first album was a self titled experimental journey into dub, downtempo, house, breaks, and trip hop. For their second album, “No More You And Me Just We”, Jon and Dave set their sights higher, taking about six months to produce the album together in Portland. The final product is a fifty-five minute journey across genres, tempos, and moods that is tightly woven and flows well.
The album kicks off with “Downtime in a Hotel Song” which is a very laid back tune that utilizes many layers of subdued melodies combined with the soothing sound of trickling water. “Downtime” segways nicely into a dubby, melodic, and deep tune called “Bumpface.” This track utilizes a 4/4 drum pattern, reggae rhythms, and Underworld-esque vocals. From here, the album flows into “Sunday in Portland” which is another 4/4 affair that overflows with lush and jazzy melodies, a strong rhythm, and plenty of percussive layers. After “Sunday in Portland” comes “Totaree”, a deep house track that is gritty, dark, and complex despite its short duration. “Totaree” grinds into “Living In A”, which layers sublime melodies and percussion patterns that are both easy going and engaging. Next up is “Ciller”, another very mellow and relaxing track that is led by a subdued Rhodes piano melody and accompanied by layer after layer of percussion and well placed effects. At the half way point of the album is “Fell For” which is so well produced and arranged that it wouldn’t be out of place in a major motion picture soundtrack. The outstanding use of vocals, percussion, and synths makes this downtempo track one of the high points of the album. Next is “6 Pack”, which is another downtempo track led by a beautifully played guitar and complimented by various synths and a moving bassline. About a minute into “6 Pack” we hear a few vocal snippets from Jon & Dave reminding us that in America, our right to dance is in danger because of laws such as the RAVE act. This powerful reminder adds depth to both the song and the album. “6 Pack” eventually segways into “Peso Truck”, which is a faster, 130 bpm 4/4 deep house track with a techy vibe that chugs along, picking up various melancholy melodies, and a strong bassline. After “Peso Truck” is “DIA” which is an offbeat downtempo track with a rather hyper and unpredictable drum pattern, tons of delay, and various tripped out bleeps and blips. The last track is “Hannah”, a deep house track with an uplifting vibe that makes it the perfect closer for the album.
Conclusion:
“No More You And Me Just We” is a soundscape of deep house, tech house, downtempo, and chill out music. It is a must buy for anyone with a broad ranging electronic music taste. The mixing compliments the music nicely, even if it is rather simplistic. Pick up “No More You And Me Just We” on Morrison Recordings at all the usual MP3 download spots such as Beatport, Audiojelly, and DJDownload.
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