Search - DJ Onionz :: Future Acoustics

Chunky dub grooves sure to please house fans

Richard Diaz | 10/03/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Onionz, along with fellow New Yorker Joeski, is part of the 6400 Crew, the gang of producers (Halo, Hipp-e, and Tony included) unleashing that tantalizing blend of disco/dub/latin house typically associated with the California scene. So despite minimal buzz on Future Acoustics, there's some lofty expectations from those partial to this take on the four/four beat.Which are more than met, from the spirited opener "The Message" to the dry, drop-sexy vocal of "Hold On To Your Love", an Onionz track with a fresh lick of disco paint. Tied together by a rarely wavering chunky beat and frequent drops to bass, you could argue Future Acoustics ran too samey-sounding if it weren't so darn moving. Onionz also uses this mix to further his claim as a top producer; the best cuts (in collaboration with Joseki) are his own. "Rods Groove" is a stripped down DJ tool that's all the catchier for it, while "Montuno Acido" sports moans and a piano loop over low-slung bass for the topper. In fact, discounting an over the top soul shouter at the end, there's not a naff track in the bunch. For those seeking smooth dub grooves, this is right on."