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Despite working together as a collective since 1998, Tetra is the first album from French DJ’s Atom, Pfel , 20Syl and Greem who make up C2C (formerly Coups2Cross).
Multiple winners of World Turntable competitions, over the years, they are in effect ‘new’ to the scene in producing music for the masses. The 14 track album is rich in a variety of differing musical influences, and introduces a host of guest spots. The opening track ‘Who you are’ featuring Olivier Daysoul (a Haitian-American singer with a degree from Oxford none the less) is reminiscent of Outkast in the early noughties, whilst ‘Happy’ has a strong gospel sound, encouraged by guest vocalist 75 year old Derek Martin, who has a reputation as ‘the golden voice’ in France.
The multiple and diverse use of instruments used, from flutes to violins, allow for each track to be completely different, ranging from Far Eastern tones to familiar French electro sounds, such as those heard from household names like Daft Punk and Justice. Tetra hit platinum status in France - and deserves to do likewise in the UK.
It may have been a long time coming, but this album is impressive, and although it complements all the artists who have contributed, the genius lies in the talent of the collective in producing catchy beats. An impressive collection, but standout tracks ‘Arcade’ and ‘The Cell’ suggest that C2C will finally get the mainstream credit and attention, which they undoubtably deserve.
With Swedish House Mafia recently bowing out, Tetra comes at the right time, with C2C creating a niche of their own in the mainstream, without repeating or regurgitating what we have heard over the last twenty years of electronic pop.
