This might be Danny Dance's first officially released EP but clearly he's not new on the House scene. In addition to my favorite track off this EP, "Can I Be Your Disco Lover," Danny's unapologetic enthusiasm for all things House plus his numerous side projects are what hooked me on his brand. He's not just a DJ, dancer, or producer... he is, as his e-mail signature states, a "House Music Artist" (love that all-inclusiveness!). In addition to taking on a producer's role, Danny Dance spreads his infectious spirit through danceisafeeling.com, where you can check out his House dance videos (note the genuine grin that lights up his face) or his weekly SDHC (Spades, Diamonds, Hearts, and Clubs) series in which each of his 52 free tracks represent one in a deck of cards.
Overall, I can feel the vibe in his tracks that caters to the House dancer. One track might be a bit more bumpin', one more soulful, one more progressive, but all will remind you that "dance is a feeling."After giving the new EP a good listen or six, I began to anticipate his trademark short breaks several times in each. The short breaks give dancers a chance to catch their breath and anticipate the next drop.
"Disco Lover" opens with inviting, warm thumping to get your legs twitching, cuts in to a soul break, then cuts back to the beat, supported by singing strings and vocal snippets. If the crowd doesn't move to this one, then you must've stepped into a dubstep night, cause son, you in the wrong place! "Dancer's Theme" is more of an upbeat instrumental track - the horns ensure you don't want to miss it. Your ears will be treated to several short breaks that include crowd noises - claps, whistles - allowing the dancers to do a spin or a drop.
"With You" opens with keys under exciting, breathy, repeating vocals that are quickly joined by hi-hats, hand claps and a sweet 'n' steady bassline to get the feet moving. I imagine being alone in a dance studio, closing my eyes, and hogging the whole dance floor to this track, especially when the bongos pop in here and there. "Miami Nights" is definitely a track for a slick night out - it's more pumping and progressive, perhaps drawing a more club- or trance-centered crowd into a track with house elements.
In the meantime I'm looking forward to the next release from Danny Dance and can't wait to catch a live set and a dance class sometime!
[ - Review by Lydia Wrobel / July 2011 - ]
Available: Released worldwide on July 25, 2011 and available digitally from Juno Download and other stores.
| + | Track Listing | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 01: | Danny Dance: Dancer's Theme (Original Extended Mix) | 7:39 |
| 02: | Danny Dance: Miami Nights | 7:02 |
| 03: | Danny Dance: Can I Be Your Disco Lover | 5:55 |
| 04: | Danny Dance: With You | 7:29 |
From Buffalo, NY, Lydia Wrobel is the coolest, House Music-loving school librarian who ever lived. Most of her time is spent teaching 13-year-olds how to do research and locate a good book, but she also teaches them how to DJ. You can contact her at 
