Live Review: Planete 'Altair'

Dion Tartaglione is two things. 1) The guy most likely to look exactly like Italian footballer, Mathieu Flamini. And 2) Most likely to be the most underrated producer in the country. 'Altair' comes as his first release through Good Manners freshly inked label and his most expansive release as PLANÈTE to date.

Of course, 'Altair' is in a completely different world to his very early demo's featuring vocals and Seekae-esque instrumentation - but this has been the trajectory for Planète for a while now. Over the last few years, Tartaglione has been working on long-from, downtempo house creations, and each step of the way we've been treated to a slight evolution in his sound. What began as completely open and minimal creations, has slowly developed into intricate and detailed house soundscapes - each track adding another trickle of genius. Whether it was a new placement of a sample, a new layer of synth, a extra percussive element - you can follow the progression with ease. Let's call it the Planète Progression.

So it's not shocking that we've ended up at 'Altair', as many fans will have been eagerly awaiting, nay expecting this. But I cannot stress enough that this isn't a bad thing, if anything the buildup has made 'Altair' all the more special.

'Altair' is Planète at his finest, I'm talking Floating Points, George Fitzgerald, Four Tet kind of on point here. The ongoing warm synth bubbles along, pacing itself at the right moments (as always), but there are just so many more elements here. I can't get my head around all the jangling percussion and samples - it's overwhelming. The buildups are so tight, and the resulting climaxes pulsate along with such presence that I honestly can't not nod or tap or fist pump or jump on the desk or punch a hole in the wall.

'Altair' has the power to push you to unconsciously move, and that's exactly what this kind of house should do. Whether it's a club, work, walk, run, public transport or drive setting this is the perfect soundtrack to get your body and mind moving. Fuck, this may be my track of the year.

'Altair' is out soon via Good Manners Records/Caroline Australia.

Words by Tom Hutchins

CHECK OUT MORE NEW MUSIC HERE

SEE ALSO:

PLANETE ‘SNOW SKETCH / VISIONS’

LUCIANBLOMKAMP ‘POST-NATURE REMIXES’ EP