Blake jarrel

Blake Jarrell & Jeff Varisco - Almonaster (Original Mix) [Concentrate Recordings]

The second release on Concentrate Recordings from producers Blake Jarrell and Jeff Varisco is a must have for lovers of progressive house and techno. The A-side of the release is titled “Esplanade.” Visitors to the city of New Orleans will no doubt have seen the grand homes on the avenue with their beautiful balustrades adorned with verdant gardens and world-renowned architecture. Beyond this, there was another reason for calling the track “Esplanade.” Once, on a fine Mardi Gras day, Blake and Jeff set out on a bacchanalian experience that would have made the Romans envious. However, true to the old adage that, “what goes up must come down,” our heroes were abandoned by a vicious she-wench and forced to trek home nearly 3 miles to Jeff’s apartment (because cabs really don’t exist on Mardi Gras day). Truly calamitous! Anyways, “Esplanade” is a track reflecting all that is good and wonderful about the grand old avenue.

On the B side of the release, Blake and Jeff have created a pure techno monster. “Almonaster” is a dark and destructive tune that builds and builds upon solid bass and seductive syncopation. The street it is named after in New Orleans is infamous for body dumping and drag racing. Roughly half the street lights on Almonaster are burnt out and no one obeys the speed limit. The climax of Almonaster personifies the label mission to provide both tension and release. If you like driving really fast at night, this is the song for you. It also sounds amazing on club speakers. Concentrate Recordings 002 is a fantastic release and you should buy it. As always, Jeff and Blake are happy to provide the stems for all songs to aid you in your creative endeavors. 

Blake jarrel

Stefan Josi