Germany’s Rico Puestel has been DJing and producing since the late 90s. He has released on influential labels like Cocoon Recordings, Harthouse and Break New Soil and, since 2019 has headed up his own Exhibition imprint. He has recorded several singer songwriter albums as Rico Friebe and publishes Friebe/Puestel crossover projects, and this is the latest.
Throughout his career, Puestel has always served up highly individual and uniquely crafted sound worlds that combine soul power and house grooves with everything from classical genre quotations to elements of contemporary deep and Afro house. This new EP is the true culmination of a musical storyline that has been developed over several collaborative projects beforehand.
Originally initiated with the double single ‘T urn / Grow’ and its deeply immersive follow-up ‘Fall,’ opener ‘Foolchella’ is a take on getting lost within your own web of showmanship. It’s a magnificently elegant arrangement of well-treated vocals and shimmering percussion. The drums roll deep, and the vocals layer in a future sense of soul. The fantastic ‘Kaifuuu’, says the artist, “delves into the consequences of not being true to your own identity and word. ” It’s a sensuous mix of lush harmonies, dusty shakers and angelic voices that unfold like a soothing electronic lullaby. Closer ‘Don’t Let Go (Of Everything)’ bears a simple, repetitive, yet universal title message along with the strongest groove and the deepest emotional setting of all. It is a nine-minute masterclass in soul-drenched, stripped-back house with mellifluous melodies and heartfelt vocals delivered in a vulnerable fashion.
Rico Puestel feat. Rico Friebe’s Folchella EP comes digitally and on vinyl via Exhibition on February 28th 2025.
Tracklist
01. Foolchella
02. Kaifuuu
03. Don’t Let Go (Of Everything)