Lerosa: Design EP
A Touch of Class

With no compromise to Design's tight dance flow, Lerosa (aka Leopoldo Rosa) puts his arranging and sound design artistry on full display in four tracks for the always-superb A Touch of Class imprint. The A-side's urgent opener “ Babylon ” slams furiously with snares leading the charge and jazzy piano motifs scurrying like mice over its pummeling house pulse; listen closely and you'll even glimpse vocal snippets adding a jungle chant along the sidelines. “Cracked & Ready” catches its breath after the EP's intense beginning before venturing out on its own scenic tour with a hammering reggae bass line and aggressive funk strut the chaperones. The flip's jacking title cut percolates with an intricate weave of acidy synth lines, clattering rimshots, handclaps, and disco hi-hats, before “Deception” nicely caps the set with a laid-back, summery fusion of soul-jazz and house sparked by trumpet and bright synth flourishes. Though he picked up his first synthesizer only seven years ago, the Dublin-based Italian producer clearly displays in his work an encompassing and deep familiarity with multiple genres and periods.

October 2007