Previews

Paul Hazendonk – Adapt (Album) [Manual Music]

by Admin March 14, 2014

Paul Hazendonk’s much hyped debut album has been a long time in the making. The innovative label boss has been at the helm of Manual Musicsince 2005, churning out stellar releases from artists including Gabriel Ananda, Fairmont, Max Cooper, Hernan Cattaneo, John Tejada, Qbicaland Alice Rose – to name but a few. However, it is only in recently months that the promise of a debut album has come to fruition – much to the delight of his fans – with Adapt released onManual Music. Here is Part 1 (of 2 parts) of Pauls excellent new album.

Not being one to pigeon-hole himself to a specific genre, Hazendonk has very much engineered his own sound since the beginning of his career and this album epitomises his eclectic taste in music with the inclusion of tracks that span Balearic beats to after-party vibes.

Whether you’re familiar with Hazendonk’s work or not, this delicious selection of deep house and techno baths you in synths and hypnotic vocals. After just one listen, it is apparent that producer Noraj Cuehas added the Midas touch to the album due to the beautifully melancholic nature of the tracks, all of which feature a warm, electronic undertone – as is his signature sound.

Adapt begins with In The Dark, a stunning opener complete with haunting yet uplifting vocals from Danish singer Alice Rose – a track which gives you shivers down your spine and straps you in for the musical journey that is to come.

Duclos Lasalle is a mysterious warm techno winner, melancholic yet full of delight co-produced with Noraj Cue.

You’re My Habit is a romantic ode dedicated to the love of his life.

Falling Sky is a beautiful chilled vocal electronica gem…

Urban Suitcase is about his adventures whilst travelling the world out of a suitcase…

Story Of Something – with spoken vocals from South African Lazarusman– is an upbeat track with a catchy lyric that wouldn’t sound out of place in a London warehouse at 4am.

The stunning array of tracks featured on this debut are a testament to the technical prowess of this Dutch DJ and producer who has not only created 12 beautiful tunes in their own right but has stitched them together in such a way that you’re taken on a magical journey peppered with haunting lyrics and twinkling synths. This is also because it is literally tiny pieces and sounds from the past few years of his life patched together to create this beautiful piece of music. What is rare is that many of the tracks have a sub context close to his heart;

In short, Adapt is stellar work from the man who has been instrumental in giving talented deep house and techno producers a platform for their work since he started Manual Music in 2005 and now it is his turn to shine.

So there we go, its Part 1 to get you in the mood.. with Part 2 coming next week.. A beautifully surprising and varied gem of an album.. enjoy!