Changes

98 releases strong and showing no signs of slowing when it comes to unearthing fresh talent and delivering high quality house music, This time Crosstown Rebels might just have discovered the new lady of house in Francesca Lombardo, judging by her exquisite debut - ‘Changes EP’. After a fateful meeting with Damian Lazarus at WMC 2011, London based DJ, Vocal Techniques graduate and classically trained pianist Francesca Lombardo began a 12 month process that has culminated in an incredibly diverse and accomplished debut EP. Having gained over 17,000 plays in the past few months on her ‘Introducing’ podcast for Crosstown Rebels and with an album in the pipeline for the label next year, there is much excitement surrounding this musical protégée. ‘The Change’ kicks off the EP energetically, in traditional Crosstown fashion - straight up underground house aimed directly at the floor and characterised by a beasty kick drum, neatly arranged vocal snippets and a wonky synth lead. Evolving with a more song-based quality, ‘Is It True’ moves the EP into ambient textures, sweeping the listener away into a lush, Burial-esque soundscape encapsulated with Francesca’s own haunting vocals and eerie synths, before dropping you straight back onto the dance-floor for an epic climax. Hitting the peak time, ‘Old School Anna’ is a heads-down, motor-city style, deep house affair, and for the fourth and final cut, the electronic sculptress displays an acute skill for toying with emotions, bringing the listener back down for the ethereal intro of ‘Sofiel’, and very gradually introducing a warm, deep groove to see the EP out. As Crosstown edges closer towards its 100th release, Francesca Lombardo upholds the indelible standard of the label, showcasing intricate technique and personal style. Effortlessly switching between dance-floor workouts and more song-based material, Francesca is a major electronic artist on the verge of global stardom.