Tokens

This is the debut full-length release by French producer Julien Chaptal - one of the up-and-coming artists of the new Amsterdam electronic underground. Spearheaded by labels like 100% Pure, Intacto, and Remote Area, and reinforced with releases by Shinedoe, 2000 And One, Kabale Und Liebe, Anton Pieete and Polder, the Amsterdam scene has managed to put itself back on the international map. On Tokens, Chaptal teams up with Daniel "Mumbling" Sanchez and Carlos "Screaming" Valdes. Compared to the other new minimal-, techno- and house-producers in Amsterdam, Chaptal's sound is definitely different. This music breathes his musical roots: The French house that dominated dance music and especially his hometown Paris, in the second half of the '90s. This beautiful collection of tracks is the best proof that Chaptal is one of the finest talents Amsterdam has to offer. The grooves are house-y, deep and funky, the subtle melodies fresh and uplifting. Several tracks can cause severe damage on the dance floor, as already was proven by the happy few that were able to play them in front of a crowd, like Remote Area label boss Dylan Hermelijn (2000 and One). Chaptal had his first break with his own group Le Clic, which has so far only released one 12", but became a popular live act in the Netherlands. He has also performed with the 6-piece Amsterdam 661, consisting of six members of the burgeoning Amsterdam scene: Lauhaus, David Labeij, Quazar, Boris Werner, and Kabale Und Liebe. He also produced a 12" with Lauhaus, which became a solid international club hit. Tokens is a great album, and proof that French house is alive and living in Amsterdam.