Rick Wade, the self-entitled new Duke of Cologne returns to Cologne based Yore Imprint, the Real Dukes in town. It takes mere seconds for the title cut's deep bass-and-drum pulse to work its magic. Driven by a slinky backbeat, the tune gets its skanky kick from a wah-wah guitar figure in the background and the silky allure of classic disco-era strings. As he's done elsewhere, Wade occasionally strips the track down to its bare-bones essence, all the better to highlight the tight groove beating at its center. Helped along by a lightly strutting groove, synthesizer motifs and washes bring a more subdued brand of funk to the late-night serenade "Forever Pimp" before "Moving On" rolls out the immense thrust one has come to expect from Wade. Alongside a driving house rhythm, congas and electric piano add colourful atmosphere while a snake-charmer flute melody and high-pitched strings take turns in the spotlight. Here and elsewhere, Wade always infuses his material with personality. If there's a down-side to Duke Of Cologne, it's that the release is three tracks only, rather than a full album. Not to be missed !

YRE-024 / 12 inch record

Release Date: 26.04.2010