axel boman: 1979

Axel Boman, Pampa's favorite Barnhus boy, returns to the fold after 2010's Holy Love (which contained the undeniable track of the year, "Purple Drank"). "1979" is a cool-toned and pensive take on classic downtempo deep house, surrounding its bare percussion with light touches and a soothing, pastoral feel. "Nokturn (Grand Finale)" is carnivalesque in the grandest sense, with a dominant percussion pattern and a looping background perpetually primed for takeoff as Latin rhythms preoccupy the shoulders and hips. A minimalist bass loop takes care of the low-end groove, and, together with glimpses of vintage disco sounds, creates another surefire hit.