Dj WilliCox [L.S Produções] - "Uma Coiisa Diferente"

It is not immediately clear where the song is headed. The rhythm is largely non-descript. Try as you may, it is elusive to classification. Still, on the surface, five beats from a maraca are heard. A single drum accents the rhythm on the even beats. The two synth notes - solitary guardians of the melody - rest on the lower end of the pitch spectrum. Yet, for all the ambiguosity in the head, listeners cannot help but feel reassured. The audience may not know where the final destination is, but the driver appears to have no trouble with the directions.

In part, the reason for this is experience: it is the only navigation system necessary, and William Aleixo possesses it. A resident of greater Lisbon, in a city north of the River Tejo called Queluz, Dj WilliCox has been sharing music for two years now. Once a member of the Mãn Juh Produções crew, he has become synonymous with the efforts of another Queluz outfit, L.S Produções, as of late. And we have still to arrive at what makes Willicox most interesting. Truth be told, the man's focus is as fluid as his allegiances. Willicox is not a slave to genres. A dance music jack of all trades, he is just as likely to record a kuduro as he is a zouk. Which is not to say Willicox is devoid of a signature. Aside from preferring faster-paced songs, Willicox continually fuses the electronic sounds of Portugal with the flavors, writ large, of the moment. It may take the shape of cross-over sounds or putting traditional instruments to modern use but it is always worth listening to.

With the foundation now established, the beat for "Uma Coiisa Diferente" is usurped by drums. Attentive ears can eke out a kuduro beat. A vocal sample - one syllable - is used for syncopation. At this point, the song begins to more closely resemble a CDM track; the influence is more evident than what the finished structure is meant to be. As promised, though, Willicox will shock and awe. While the use of a melodica is not particularly novel, the Middle Easter-tinge in the phrasing, beginning at the :30 mark, is. As the drums once again return, the surprises do not end. Soon, the unexpected sound of percussion chimes play a role in the harmony. In the end, the only thing standard is the number of resources put to use: seven. Willicox is able pushes the style forward - putting familiar tools to new use and introducing new sounds all the while - without sacrificing dancefloor soundtrack purpose. Worth the download and repeated listens.

- John Noggle