Record Review

Ethnic Souls – Feel Alright

Artist Ethnic Souls
Label Tango Recordings
Catalog # tango 019
Year 2002
Format Vinyl - 12"
Electronic House Tribal House

# Ethnic Souls – Feel Alright

Ethnic Souls emerged as a notable presence in the early 2000s electronic music landscape, bringing a distinctive approach to house music that blended traditional tribal elements with contemporary production techniques. The project represented the convergence of global musical influences and dancefloor sensibilities that characterized the tribal house movement of that era.

Released in 2002 on Tango Recordings, "Feel Alright" arrived during a period when electronic music was increasingly embracing world music influences. This 12-inch single captured the zeitgeist of a scene eager to move beyond stripped-down minimalism toward richer, more textural arrangements. The vinyl format reinforced the release's credibility within collector and DJ communities who valued the tactile experience and sound quality of physical media.

The A-side, "Feel Alright," stretches across 8:43 and showcases the project's strength in building hypnotic, percussion-driven arrangements. The track layers organic tribal elements—rhythmic hand drums and polyrhythmic patterns—over steady house beats, creating an inviting groove designed for extended DJ sets and dance floors. The production emphasizes atmosphere and groove rather than hi-tech effects, emphasizing Ethnic Souls' commitment to accessibility and sonic warmth.

The B-side, "Drop Bass," demonstrates versatility with its emphasis on low-end weight and driving rhythmic elements across its 8:15 runtime. This track leans slightly more toward conventional house territory while maintaining the tribal aesthetic that defines the release.

Together, these two tracks represent a moment when house music was actively absorbing and celebrating diverse cultural influences, making "Feel Alright" a worthwhile addition for collectors interested in early 2000s tribal house.

Tracklist

Tracks
  1. A. Feel Alright (8:43)
  2. B. Drop Bass (8:15)