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We were introduced to Stark last year at the launch of Futuristica Music with the ‘Narita’ 12” with the rather excellent remix by Nostalgia 77.

As good as that was, they’ve raised the bar with ‘Damage’. The original version mixes jazzy downtempo vibes with Ms. Stark’s sultry vocals. The ‘Damage’ is in the dark lyrics and the phrasing reminds me of Soft Cells’ ‘Torch’ (even if I am obsessed with the remixes of Margot and The Melody Maker).

Although Aaron Jerome is back in demand on the remix front (check below for what he’s up to at the moment), you wouldn’t say his house side was that obvious. Perhaps it’s working with the current DJ of the moment, Karizma (see Ben Westbeech’s ‘Hang Around’) that has got him in the mood but he’s done it in a very AJ way. Hi-Tek soulful minimal techno-samba for dark eyes for the Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret. It’s amazing how all this cross-musical fertilisation produces something extra special. Described as a mix of Carl Craig and Herbert, it’s quite rightly made Phonica’s Essential list (see below).

Great that vibes are back big time, from ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ to this 12”. So while you’re going to be mesmerised in the club with this, Aaron’s Soulblender remix is killing me. As a stripped downtempo version with huge dubby bass and Italo piano sprinkles, it’s not nearly long enough.

Nearly two years ago, Aaron gave Hectic some time with an interview, and I’ve got a feeling we need an update; stay tuned.

Reviewed: Stark — Damage (Aaron Jerome Remixes) (Futuristica Music) Cat. No. FM 005
Release date: 27th March 2007
Tracklisting:
A. Damage (Aaron Jerome Remix)
B1. Damage (Original)
B2. Damage (Soulblender Remix)

Links:
Available at Phonica Records and If…Music
www.soulblender.co.uk
http://www.myspace.com/aaronjerome
www.futuristicamusic.com
www.samurai.fm/futuristica
www.myspace.com/futuristicamusic
www.myspace.com/djsimons
www.trustthedj.com/simons
www.myspace.com/kohesiveproductions
AARON JEROME feat. Andreya Triana — BRIGHTER DAYS (WITH KARIZMA REMIX) (R2)
AARON JEROME — TIME TO REARRANGE (LABEL TBC) (2007)
AJ RHYTHM ORCHESTRE — Highlife EP (?)
BONOBO — Walk In The Sky/ Ketto Remixes (NINJA TUNE)
ZERO DB — On The 1&3 Remix (FLUID OUNCE)
RICHARD E/ DEBORAH JORDAN — Comin A Find Ya Remix (FURTHER OUT)
Stark — Damage Remixes (FUTURISTICA MUSIC)
SWAY — Products Remix (ABOVE THE CLOUDS)
DNELL — This Thing Remixes (BBE)
FAT FREDDYS DROP — This Room Remix (KARTEL)