Marlon Hoffstadt – The Goodie Goodies

Label: WellDone!Score: 7.5/10 

Marlon Hoffstadt has enjoyed one hell of a 2013, a fact in no small part attributable to his track, ”Shake That”, and, of course, the accompanying Jesse Rose remix. What this means, however, is an added pressure attached to his recent releases. In short, the question is, can he re-produce the goods at a consistent rate?

Well, on the basis of his most recent EP, he most certainly can. Released on his own imprint, Well Done!, The Goodie Goodies EP sees Hoffstadt team up with three producers on an effort that’s just as intriguing on paper as it it on the ear lobes. First up is the majestic strands of ”Keep a Dala”, a track that joins the dots between canny hip-hop samples and quality-laden deep house textures. Produced in tandem with ALAEV, it’s the sort of amalgamation of sounds that’ll make Sneak et al weak at the knees.

Next up is Hoffstadt’s collab with emerging producer Nicolai Toma, ”Watchin’ You”. This time around, the emphasis is decidely more pop-inspired, with this one produced on a more gregarious and lighthearted tip. Glistening pop facets play a pertinent role, much like the many gorgeous strings and melodies that shine throughout.

Last but not least is ”Go Now”, a track that sees the main man in question team up with fellow label owner, HRRSN. Again, the pop sensibilities are laid out for all to see, but this one is injected with an almost 80’s inspired sense of campness and emotion. The male vocals are the most obvious case in point, as they bring a certain gravitas and more than a smidgen of tangible human emotion to the fore. A job well done indeed.