House Music has always been a very singles-driven genre. Swedish Producer/DJ/Pianist Rasmus Faber has certainly created some wonderful house singles and remixes over the last 2 decades. I first became aware of him in 2003 through his track “Ever After” feat. Emily McEwen. The vibe and melody of that song grabbed me so profoundly that I can still remember exactly what I was doing the first time I heard it. It is still one of my all-time favorite house tracks and I have been a fan of his work ever since.
Rasmus Faber is also one of a select handful of house music artists who have the talent and the catalog to successfully pull off releasing full-length albums. On his new LP, “Two Left Feet”, the dance rhythms are definitely there, but they are thoroughly bathed in a very organic vibe. And it’s beautiful to listen to. Instead of big drum samples and synths, you hear live instrumentation throughout the album. The songwriting is excellent and features fabulously subtle vocal performances from several collaborators. There is a strong emotional tone that manages to simultaneously feel somber and joyful. This is an inspired effort from a master of production and arrangement at the top of his game.
This album is consistently good from top to bottom so it’s difficult to choose standout tracks. But I would have to say that the opening track “Animal” and the title track – which closes the album – are my personal favorites. Honorable mention to “Son of a Marimba Maker”, one of 2 instrumental tracks on the album.
Listen to “Two Left Feet” by Rasmus Faber below.