Long-time influential player in the UK house and techno scene, Simon Baker, is releasing his highly anticipated debut album Traces on his home label of 2020 Vision. The internationally seasoned DJ shows all of his musical sides on his first long player.

Album opener and single “No Pressure,” is a poppy gem that sounds like Tiga in a Berlin studio. It’s beautifully orchestrated with strings and soulful keys, and the looping vocals are from collaborator Debukas. It kind of sums up the roots of dance music; Disco, Electro and Dub. “L Train” follows; a deep and spacey track that avoids the often moody ambience of Deep House music, but instead builds up to a jazzy break towards the end. “Blue Lights” goes back to old school House, putting you in an imaginary warehouse with smoke machines and flashing lights. He’s taken you on a journey within the first 3 tracks, and over the next 8 tracks you’ll visit deep, soulful and timeless electronic music without leaving the safety zone of 4/4. Album closer “Olek” is a dark and ambient, but also tongue in cheek House track. It’s filled with luring synths, classic House percussion and hypnotising vocals.

Traces is both a conservative and eclectic album, with a wide range of House and Techno styles. All eleven tracks are about same length, and it opens and closes with a strong vocal track. It’s driving 4/4, but not necessarily on the floor; it’s more of a listening album. Its timelessness would make it impossible to guess what year it was released. But to sum it up; it’s an album that doesn’t need a lot of explanation, a grower with a beautiful analogue feel.

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