Hiatt Db

Remarkably, percussionist and DJ-turned-producer Hiatt DB is the first ever American artist to sign for Rhythm Section International. Based in New Orleans, he makes music inspired not only by his love of club music, but also sounds and styles from around the world. This debut neatly reflects these disparate influences, offering up vibrant tracks that defy easy categorization. Check first the twisted lead lines, pulsing sub-bass, sweaty piano stabs and pots-and-pans percussion of "Sun Spell", before admiring the densely layered breakbeats and West African drums of "Palimpest". "6 O'Clock Rock" is a woozy and warming shuffle where calypso percussion, hazy strings and cut-up vocal samples make an impression, while "Everyday Break" is a luscious chunk of sun-up goodness for dancers who like it warm and breezy.